How to Utilize Creative Staffing Plans with OMK Programs

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How to Utilize Creative Staffing Plans with OMK
Programs
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• Kia Harries - MN 4-H Military Liaison/4-H Youth
  Development Extension Educator, University of
  Minnesota
• Amber Runke, MN OMK/4-H Program Specialist,
  University of Minnesota

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Program Requests for OMK
Unit Family Picnic
Awards Banquet
Muskie Fishing Day
30 Day Reintegration Training
R, S, G! Training
FRG Meeting
Welcome Home Celebration
TV Interview
SOMK Retreat
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OMK State Team

• Started with staff during Surge
• Unanimously decided on the importance of keeping
  some staff
• Budget in for staff
• supplies can be fundraised for

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Budget
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Regional Activity Coordinators (RACs)

• Teachers, Part-time 4-H Staff, Educators, etc.
• Short term hires
• Hourly employees Paid ONLY when they work (plus
  mileage, travel time, planning time, etc.)
• Received training (R,S,G!, How to deliver
  program, Experiential Learning, etc)

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RAC Job Description

• TITLE OMK Regional Activity Coordinator (10-20
  time)
• LOCATION Varies potential sites maybe in SW,
  SE, SC, NW, C regions of Minnesota
• PURPOSE
• Understand, support and work to create
  educational experiences that support the needs of
  suddenly military youth through positive youth
  development experiences
• Promote and support national and state OMK
  mission and programs

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RAC Job Description (cont.)

• SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinate and lead planning and implementation
  of OMK workshops and day camps
• 40 experiences across the state
• workshops range from 1.5 hrs to 4 hrs in length
• day camps range from 6-8 hrs in length
• Coordinate OMK experiences in conjunction with
  military schedules as much as possible
• FRG Meetings, Family Days, Holiday Parties, etc
• Mind, Body Soul events
• Deployment Cycle Support Events (FPA, FRA, 30 and
  60 Day Reintegration)
• Convene and work with FAC staff and OMK Regional
  Teams to recruit, schedule and coordinate
  community youth and adult volunteer assistance

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RAC Job Description (cont.)

• Implement experiences from developed plans
• Make sure supplies are adequate and available
• Work with-in established budgets for supplies,
  etc.
• Schedule and make arrangements for use of the
  Mobile Technology Lab as much as possible in
  events
• Take photographs and collect testimonials for
  inclusion in reports and future publicity
• Maintain accurate records and portfolio of
  activities
• File timely reports of efforts
• Time estimate 208 hrs (10) to 520 hrs (25)
  hrs including preparation and travel time

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RAC Job Description (cont.)

• QUALIFICATIONS
• Be a mature adult
• Must successfully complete the 4-H Volunteer
  Application and Screening process
• The ability to handle discipline, sensitive
  issues or action in a counseling and advising
  situation or emergency
• The ability to communicate effectively with
  youth, parents, volunteers and community
  professionals
• Ability to educate youth while nurturing positive
  self-esteem, decision-making, responsibility and
  leadership in youth
• Feel at ease with all ages of youth
• Physical and emotional endurance
• Knowledgeable about discipline policies and
  procedures
• Have valid drivers license and reliable
  transportation
• Sincere interest in working with suddenly
  military youth
• SUPERVISOR Amber Runke, State Operation Military
  Kids Program Specialist

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Coordination of RACs/Events

• 1 Key Person Coordinating Requests
• OMK Program Request Form
• Receive Form then Contact RACs/4-H Staff,
  Volunteer Groups, etc.
• Submit all events to OMK website calendar and
  double check that all events are reported

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OMK Program Request Form
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Other Events

• FRG Meetings, Family Days, Family Picnics,
  Holiday Parties, etc.
• DCS Events
• Curriculum (Experience OMK and new)
• FPA, FRA, 30, 60 Day Reintegration
• SOMK Speakers (SOMK Request Form)
• TV/Newspaper/Radio Interviews

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Tips for Supporting Events

• Emphasize that OMK is for School-Aged Programming
  (NOT Childcare or just crafts)
• Use 4-H, JFSAP, other volunteers, organizations
  and businesses
• Use your State Team! They can represent OMK, it
  doesnt always need to be staff
• Recognize your partnership (apply for awards, etc)

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Challenges

• WorkloadOverwhelmed at times (sometimes not
  available)
• We dont do Childcare
• Working with Military
• Supplies/Storage
• Partner Expectations/Ownership
• Nationals not liking plan at first

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• How might you be able to use some of this
  information in your state?
• Is there any advice you have for other states on
  something that is working in your state?