Checklist for Creating a Successful and Meaningful Service Project
Whether you are leading a day of service or an extended service project, managing the details gracefully can be tricky. Use this checklist as a tool to guide your planning process from start to finish – remembering that your service project may not require every item on this checklist.
1. Organizing
□ Come to consensus on what theme, issue, or population your service project will focus on
□ Research possible service sites
2. Creating Community Partnership
□ Contact possible service sites and ask them to share with you their current needs
□ Decide on service site and work with the agency to design the service project
□ Determine with the service site the scope of the project (including date, time, min/max number
of students, supplies needed, lunch break, etc.)
□ Request that someone from the service site provide an orientation/overview to the group
□ Provide an opportunity for knowledgeable community leaders to educate you and the group on
issues relevant to the service project
□ Confirm details and number of volunteers with the community agency
□ Create a back-up plan in case of inclement weather
□ Fill out Service Project Planning Form!
3. Logistics:
Transportation:
□ Reserve SU van(s) and make sure you have authorized drivers for each van.
□ Make sure your directions to the site are accurate
□ Map out a clear and safe walking route
Supplies:
□ Determine what supplies you will need for your service project
Food:
□ Purchase the necessary food/snacks/water for your service project
□ Know whether or not your service site is providing you with meals/snacks/water
□ Be aware of the group’s dietary needs (allergies, vegetarian, etc)
4. Preparing Your Team:
□ Send your team a list of what to bring and inform them of logistical details
□ Give your team reading materials about the issue(s) being addressed by the project
□ Educate your team about cultural sensitivity and appropriate behavior on site
5. Safety and Risk Management:
□ Have team members complete emergency medical forms and liability forms (if necessary)
□ Have a first aid kit available at each site
□ Ensure team members go through any necessary pre-training or safety orientation
□ Establish emergency procedures
6. Day of the Service Project:
□ Arrive early on the day of the event to prepare and set-up
□ Make sure the group takes necessary breaks for food, water, and rest
□ End the day with enough time to clean-up, reflect, and return to campus on time
7. Reflection:
□ Build in group and individual reflection time into the schedule
□ Create activities to spark reflection and discussion about the meaning of your service
□ Give team members the opportunity to provide oral feedback
□ Ask the service site to offer feedback on their experience of the service project
□ Discuss the feedback received from both team members and the service site
□ Ask, “Now What?? What can we learn from this experience?” – what would you repeat and
what would you change the next time you organize a service project?
8. Follow-up/Closure:
□ Write a thank-you note to the service site and the site supervisors who worked with you
□ Plan activities to encourage continued engagement with the issue/agency
□ Celebrate your success together!