Because every member is unique, a single plan doesn't fit everyone. The first step is to find out more about your member's experience, skills, perceptions about AmeriCorps or VISTA service, and plans. This process will help you tailor available tools; down the road, it will also provide valuable information on how well your program is meeting your members' needs.
To help you with member needs assessment, download these useful resources:
- Creating a transition timeline—Read advice from veteran program staff on how
- Incorporating transition planning into the service year—Access the What's Next? tutorial for members and find out how to use it in monthly trainings
- Encouraging reflection through individual and group activities—See a variety of ways members can reflect on their service experience and how it applies to their future plans
- Questions for customized self-assessment surveys—Mix and match questions on training, evaluation, and personal skills topics
- Sample surveys and evaluations:
- Exit Survey 1—An open-ended form for a program serving students
- Exit Survey 2—A general survey on progress and plans, to be used in an exit interview
- Evaluation 1—A detailed assessment of how member skills have changed during the service term
- Evaluation 2—An open-ended questionnaire about program effectiveness and member growth
- Self-Assessment Survey—A Likert scale measurement of what the individual gained from service
Need more info? Download this chapter from one program's operations manual.
Go on to Getting the Most from the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
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