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Table of Contents >
   Part D. Developing a Strategic Plan, Organizational Struc... >
      Chapter 11. Recruiting and Training Volunteers >
         Section 4. Developing Training Programs for Volunteers >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Developing Training Programs for Volunteers

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Jenette Nagy Edited by Jerry Schultz and Kate Nagy

Tools

Tool #1: "Icebreaker" activities
Tool #2: Lesson plan form
Tool #3: Trainee evaluation form

Checklist

Tools

Tool #1: "Icebreaker" activities


This activity was suggested by Lisa Rasor, Former Director of Volunteer Training at Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, KS


Forced choice exercise

In this exercise, the facilitator puts signs in three different parts of the room. The facilitator will ask the trainees if they would consider themselves a listener, a talker, or a doer. Those are the only three choices, so it's a forced decision -- you have to choose one of those areas. Sometimes, trainees might say, "Well I can be any of those." But, they still have to choose just one possibility.

The groups that gather in the different areas will talk about why they chose that area over the other ones. The participants may be surprised to find that they have much in common with the other trainees.

Additional forced choice questions include:

  • Do you consider yourself compassionate, just, or philosophical?
  • Are you a realist, an optimist, or a dreamer?
  • Are you punctual, serious, or spontaneous?
  • Do you consider yourself adventurous, creative or idealistic?

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Tool #2: Lesson plan form

This form can be copied and filled out with your own lesson plans. A completed version can be found under Examples.





Lesson ___________________________________:




Date:

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, trainees will:

Information and activities:

  • Activity
  • Explanation
  • Time
  • Materials needed

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Tool #3: Trainee evaluation form



Trainee Evaluation Form



In the interest of anonymity, we ask that you do NOT put your name on this form.






Training Session Title:






Session Presenter/Facilitator:






Date:








On a scale of 1--5, with 5 being most useful, how useful did you find this information?


   1    2    3    4    5



On a scale of 1--5, with 5 being excellent, how well presented was this session?


   1    2    3    4    5



What did you like most about this training session?





What did you like least about this training session?





What would you change about the training session?





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Checklist

Here you'll find a checklist summarizing the major points contained in the text.


___You understand why your organization should have training programs for volunteers.

___You know who should train new volunteers.

___You know how to develop training programs.

___Decide what you want to teach volunteers.

___Decide how you will teach them in the training.

___Write a budget for your training.

___Decide what materials you would like to use for the training.

___Get the word out about the training.

___Consider the logistics of the training.

___Pay attention to physical comfort during the training.

___Set people at ease during the training.

___Develop lesson plans for the training.

___Evaluate trainees.

___Celebrate the end of training.

___You know the principles of adult learning.

___You understand that training is an ongoing process.


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