May 31,1979

A Project Sponsored by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation of Flint, Michigan

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This manual presents a step-by-step process of self-assessment for school volunteer programs--programs which link the community to the school by involving adult volunteers in work within the school setting. The self-assessment system is designed as a practical, low-cost, simple-to-use tool to assist school volunteer programs in planning and improving specific management functions, as well as assessing levels of satisfaction and commitment on the part of those involved with the program.

To some extent, the information produced in this assessment process may also be utilized to justify or document the management of the school volunteer program. A. perhaps less tangible yet important benefit of utilizing this system is the morale spin-off generated by the opportunity to participate in the planning and development of the volunteer program. Frequently, volunteers and other individuals who are asked to complete the checklists appreciate the fact that someone is interested in their suggestions-and opinions about the program.

The purpose of self-assessment is to increase the effectiveness of the volunteer program at a minimum cost of time and money, with maximum input from a wide selection of people involved with the volunteer program. Although self-assessment cannot replace an outside professional evaluation, it can gauge or measure the quality of management, performance, commitment, and satisfaction levels of those working with the volunteer program. When used on a regular, on-going basis, the volunteer coordinator can identify comparisons can be drawn as the program grows and changes, in addition to the special advantage of comparing one's program scores to the national norms presented in this manual.

A copy of this report can be found at:

Samuel Reed Hall Library
Lyndon State College
Lyndonville, VT 05851