I am having a difficult time explaining mission based evaluation for a volunteer program. I know it has to do with volunteer that believe in the goal and objective of the organization. The problem is I do not know how to give and example of a volunteer program for a gardener.
Start by stating the overall goal of the whole volunteer program. Then state the goal of the gardener within that program.
Some gardeners volunteer to help city people, especially kids, cultivate small areas of donated land to grow their own vegetables.
Here are some other ideas.
http://franklin.osu.edu/topics/master-gardener-volunteer-program
http://mg.msue.msu.edu/
Mission-based evaluation for a volunteer program involves assessing the degree to which volunteers are aligned with and committed to the goals and objectives of the organization they are serving. This evaluation helps determine how effectively the program is fulfilling its mission and whether the volunteers are actively contributing towards it.
To explain mission-based evaluation for a volunteer program, let's consider an example using a volunteer program for gardeners:
1. Define the mission and objectives of the organization: Start by clarifying the overarching mission and specific objectives of the organization focusing on gardening or horticulture, such as promoting sustainable gardening practices, enhancing community green spaces, or providing therapeutic gardening experiences.
2. Recruit volunteers who align with the mission: To ensure mission alignment, the volunteer program should explicitly communicate the organization's mission and objectives during the recruitment process. Potential volunteers with a genuine interest in gardening, environmental sustainability, or community development are more likely to align with the mission.
3. Assess volunteer's motivations and interests: During the application or onboarding process, ask volunteers about their motivations for joining the program. In the case of gardening, consider asking questions about their gardening experience, their interest in sustainable practices, or their desire to contribute to the community through horticulture.
4. Provide volunteer training and orientation: Conduct training sessions and orientations that emphasize the organization's mission, values, and objectives. Offer educational resources on sustainable gardening techniques, horticultural practices, or community engagement to reinforce the mission among the volunteers.
5. Evaluate volunteer engagement: Regularly assess the volunteers' level of engagement in the program. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or observing their participation and contribution during gardening activities. Look for signs of dedication, enthusiasm, and a genuine belief in the organization's mission.
6. Monitor volunteer feedback: Encourage volunteers to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. This can be done through surveys or feedback sessions. Evaluate their feedback with regards to how it aligns with the organization's mission and objectives.
7. Track volunteer outcomes: Measure the impact of the volunteer program by monitoring the outcomes achieved. For a gardening program, these outcomes may include the number of community gardens established, the amount of produce harvested, the level of community engagement, or the adoption of sustainable gardening practices.
By following these steps, the mission-based evaluation for the volunteer gardener program can effectively gauge the alignment of volunteers with the organization's goals and objectives. It will also provide insights into the program's success in fulfilling its mission and guide future improvements.