CNCS 8 Practices

Organizational Capacity Assessment – Process and Best Practices Volunteer Wisconsin Orientation, 2017

Interview your supervisor using this form as a guide. Indicate evidence with a Yes or No. Circle the activities that are a priority for your service plan.

Practice / Key Nonprofit Activity / Evidence / Notes
1. Market research and community needs assessment
Nonprofits create opportunities based on needs, and understand volunteer needs and availability. / a. All volunteers have written position descriptions.
______
b. New volunteer opportunities are created based on strategic needs of the organization. / _ _ _ _ / ______
2. Strategic planning to maximize impact
Engaging volunteers is supported as a strategy to deliver service and increase impact. / a. Volunteers are mentioned in the strategic plan, at Board meetings and/or annual reports.
______
b. There is a volunteer engagement budget and adequate funding.
______
c. Volunteer engagement policies are in place, and procedures for how the work is accomplished. / _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ / ______
______
Practice / Key Nonprofit Activity / Evidence / Notes
3. Recruiting and marketing to prospective volunteers
Recruitment is deliberate and targeted to attract the right volunteers. / a. A variety of recruitment strategies are used.
______
b. Recruitment messages are factual, thoughtful and based on the position description. / _ _ _ _ / ______
4. Interview, screen and select volunteers
To ensure the best fit, there is a process to screen volunteers. The process should vary depending on the volunteer type. / a. Ongoing volunteers are interviewed to ensure the fit.
______
b. A protocol for background checks and other screening.
______
c. A consistent sign-on process for each volunteer type (one-time, skilled, ongoing, etc.). / _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ / ______
______
5. Orient and train
To educate, create a sense of belonging and help ensure effectiveness. / a. All volunteers learn about the mission, programs, and necessary details.
______
b. Each volunteer is trained for their position. / _ _ _ _ / ______
6. Ongoing supervision and management
Volunteers are supervised effectively, coached and have regular communication.
6. Ongoing supervision and management (cont.) / a. Each volunteer has a trained supervisor available.
______
b. Volunteers improve, and have opportunity to grow into new positions.
c. Volunteers receive regular info about their work and the org. / _ _ _ _ / ______
7. Recognition and volunteer development
Volunteers feel valued through a variety of efforts and are valued by the organization. / a. Daily thanks, special recognition of efforts and events all show volunteers they are valued.
______
b. The overall value of volunteers is communicated with $ value and stories. / _ _ _ _ / ______
8. Measure outcomes and evaluate the process
The work of volunteers is assessed and they receive feedback. Volunteers are tracked and the process is evaluated for effectiveness. / a. A process for providing volunteers feedback on their work.
______
b. Volunteers provide feedback.
______
c. The volunteer engagement process is evaluated.
______
d. Volunteer information and hours are tracked. / _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ / ______
______
______

Bonnie Andrews 8/29/17