Planning for the program year
Abstract
The AmeriCorps Program Blueprint helps program coordinators keep on track by outlining what management tasks need to be done and when during the program year. It was developed by participants at the Atlantic Cluster New Program Staff Orientation held in October 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland. The blueprint provides guidance in the areas of site partnerships, recruitment, member development, policies and procedures, and budget/fiscal responsibilities.
Issue
Program directors need to wear many hats during the program year. Knowing what to do and when to do it can be an overwhelming task. This AmeriCorps Program Blueprint can serve as a guide for new as well as seasoned program coordinators.
Action
Suggested tasks for the first quarter include:
- Develop site buy-in with site supervisors (host an initial meeting together with members).
- Evaluate recruitment plan with new members.
- Develop individual member development plans with each member.
- Go over grant provisions with site supervisors.
- Create forms: expense versus budget, in-kind donation, project planner, fund-rasiing, recognition, funding sources, accounting software setup, and document files.
- Create a newsletter featuring successful partnerships to distribute to partners, future partners, and advisory board members.
- Implement year-long recruitment plan that emphasizes networking with family, friends, and referrals from other organizations.
- Set one-on-one meetings with members to review progress.
- Audit member files in the middle of the year.
- Review financial reports every month.
- Begin site application process for the next year.
- Involve members in recruitment.
- Plan a mid-year retreat.
- Send reminders to sites and members about reports.
- Work on funding partnerships.
- Train site supervisors on provisions, working with members, reporting, etc.
- Interview prospective members, check references. Use members on interview team for peer insight.
- Get focus group input for next program year's trainings.
- Exit members from WBRS.
- Invite partners and funders to graduation celebration.
Context
The blueprint was developed by participants at the Atlantic Cluster New Program Staff Orientation held October 11, 2001, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Citation
"AmeriCorps Program Blueprint," The Resource Connection, Volume 5, Number 2, (Spring 2001):6-8.
Provides a list of suggested tasks for each quarter of the program year in the areas of site partnerships, recruitment, member development, policies and procedures, and budget/fiscal responsibilities.
