COMMUNITY ACTION AGENY Children’s Programs Volunteer Engagement Plan

Need for Volunteers Head Start Performance Standards – 25% matching funds – In-Kind – as grant requirement. Mission of CAA is to Promote Self-Sufficiency Goal is to promote self-satisfaction, self-esteem, and personal reward for those who volunteer, as well as added benefit to the program.

Enhancement of Current Volunteer Program The current volunteer program is too focused on parents and classroom volunteers. All of the forms currently in use only focused on classroom needs

No attention was given to the elementary students, local college students, Foster Grandparents, and local community members, who are or who wish to volunteer. The current program was very classroom centered and did not provide opportunities to volunteer in other program areas (such as the kitchen, special events, clerical).

Recruitment Original recruitment letter to parents was revised as a flyer that can be used for all “seasons” of the human life cycle.

Flyer will be distributed to local agencies/organizations and will be posted on the CAA website The flyer indicates the various opportunities that are available.

Application There was an application in place, but it was very outdated. Reorganized and reworded areas to appeal to all volunteers. Added an area to give volunteers an opportunity to indicate their areas of interest. Added a sentence at the bottom of the application stating the need to have parent/guardian signatures for volunteers under 18 years of age.

The first step in retaining volunteers is to provide a volunteer orientation. (Shin & Kleiner, 2003)

Orientation Added orientation (separate from training). During this time information will be shared about the history and structure of CAA. Agency policies and procedures will be reviewed, and program information will be shared. Assistance with the completion of the volunteer application and required screenings will be given. Volunteer opportunities will be discussed. Questions/comments/concerns will be addressed.

Training More training will be offered – Currently only one training scheduled for year. Training will be geared to meet the needs of all learners (written agenda provided, visuals will b used). Times and locations of trainings will be varied, based on needs of volunteers. Proper training allows volunteers to develop new skills and have an expectation of what the volunteer opportunity consists of.

Supervision More intentional supervision will be given to volunteers. The management of the volunteer program will be the responsibility of the Children’s Program Manager (no volunteer coordinator or manager at this time). The Children’s Program Manager will collect and evaluate all Volunteer In-Kind Sign-In forms.

Encouragement + Communication + Recognition = Volunteer Commitment

Volunteer Recognition

Past events held to recognize volunteers. Plan to reinstate a volunteer reception. Certificates will be provided to all volunteers. Thank you notes/letters will be given throughout the year, not just one time.

Continue to promote volunteer involvement all year long. Work with management and staff in regard to the importance of developing relationships with the community to encourage the involvement of parents, students, friends, relatives, and the community at large.