Building a Strategic Volunteer Program that Impacts Student Achievement

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Building a Strategic Volunteer Program that
Impacts Student Achievement
Spring Branch ISD Houston, Texas
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From Vision to Action

• Welcome and Introductions
• Linda Buchman, SBISD Community Relations Officer
• A Ten Year Perspective
• Sue Loudis, Coordinator Partnerships Volunteer
  Programs
• From Vision to Action -- The SBISD VAB
• Mark Heiman, Chair, SBISD Volunteer Advisory
  Board
• Notre Dame Club of Houston Case Study
• Wyn Norris, Mentor Coordinator
• From the Volunteers Perspective
• Tom Potts, SBISD Volunteer VAB Charter Member
• Wrap Up/QA
• Linda Buchman, SBISD Community Relations Officer

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SBISD Volunteer ProgramsA Visual Perspective
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From Vision to Action The History

• Pre-2002
• Mixed results
• High volunteer drop-out rate
• Often disruptive to classrooms
• Students and volunteers not receiving full
  benefits
• Programs ad hoc with limited central coordination
• Logistical and coordination nightmare
• 2002
• Establish VAB
• Launch first Campus Mentor Program 40
  Volunteers
• Track volunteer hours
• 2003
• VAB Charter
• Establish and Promote SBISD Model Volunteer
  Program
• Publish Literacy Tutor Guide and Support
  Materials
• Online Registration
• 2004
• SBISD Volunteer Code of Ethics

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Tracking Our GrowthSpringBoard Mentor Program
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From Vision to Action The Road Map

• Our Vision is to enhance student performance
  through an effective volunteer program in a
  friendly, supportive environment!
• Establishing the VAB
• The Model Volunteer Program
• Challenges
• Lessons Learned

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From Vision to Action Volunteer Advisory Board

• Composition
• Principals
• Volunteers
• Administration
• Charter (Defining the Purpose)
• Assist all campuses in implementing Volunteer
  Friendly atmosphere
• Ensure long term success for sponsored programs
• Share best practices between campuses and school
  districts
• Help campuses evaluate effectiveness of volunteer
  programs
• Goals and Priorities
• Register volunteers and security clearance
• Develop a Model for a successful program
• Map the organization and structure for existing
  programs
• Establish support for volunteer and campus
  programs
• Develop system for long-term sustainability of
  sponsored programs

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From Vision to Action The Model Program

• Formal Rules, Standards and Policies
• Security/Background Checks
• Code of Ethics
• Program Standards
• Campus Support
• Volunteer Advisory Team
• Campus Volunteer Coordinator
• Volunteer Liaison
• Priority in Campus Improvement Plan
• Recruitment
• Marketing plan oversight and development

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From Vision to Action The Model Program

• Training
• Coordinated effort between district and campus
  staff
• Unifies purpose and builds common district
  language
• Allows customization to meet individual campus
  needs
• Recognition
• District and campus recognition
• Award nominations
• Coordinated Effort
• VAB -- Oversight and identification of needs
• PIE Board Identification of resources to meet
  needs
• Good Neighbor Program Encouragement
  Recognition

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From Vision to Action Challenges

• Sustainability
• Establishing Expectations
• Resistance to Change
• Turnover (Staff and Volunteers)
• Student Mobility Rates
• Staff Time (Extra Duties as Assigned)

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From Vision to Action Lessons Learned

• If you build itthey will come
• Balance growth and structure
• Find champions to help grow programs
• Recruit in bulk
• Manage in bulk
• District commitment
• Strong logistical plan
• Defined and articulated beliefs and values
• Brand and market programs
• Tout your successes

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The Notre Dame Club of HoustonGolden Dome
Alliance

• A Case Study

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Teamwork Key to Success

• A Short Story How We Got Here
• Launching the Relationship
• Commitment of District, Campus Volunteers
• Teamwork
• SBISD Partnership Office
• Notre Dame Club
• Recruitment
• Leadership Team
• We Never Stop Recruiting
• Expansion of Mentor Team to Meet Demand

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Essentials of a Best-in-Class Program

• Commitment
• Leadership at all levels
• Fiscal and human resource allocation
• Excellence is a priority
• Organization
• Culture of Service
• Recognition

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Essentials of a Best-in-Class Program

• Campus Support and Logistics
• Coordinator
• Designated meeting places
• Standardized procedures
• Cross-training of staff to execute logistical
  plan
• Flow of communication with mentors
• Planned mentor/mentee events
• Appreciation of volunteers permeates culture

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Essentials of a Best-in-Class Program

• Partner Leadership
• Partner Leadership Team Provides Energy and
  Vision and Serves as Liaison between
  Organization, School and Volunteers
• Recruitment through Groups
• Volunteers recruit others
• Organizational solidarity grows

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From a Volunteers Perspective
Tom Potts
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Wrap Up

• Volunteers, Civic Engagement Support for
• Public Education