Elements of a Member Orientation

What to include?

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Experience has shown that a well-prepared orientation covers these elements (most of which are addressed in this site):

Orientation agendas
Overview of CNCS programs
AmeriCorps or VISTA program goals
Your organization's mission/goals
Ice breakers, warm-ups and team building
Member benefits
Allowable member activities (vs. prohibited ones)
Assurances from CNCS
Placement site orientation
Progressive disciplinary procedures
Performance measures
Evaluation

Seasoned program directors offer two succinct bits of advice for planning an orientation:

Start early
Document your process, using checklists, for example

Neil Schulman of Northwest Service Academy in Portland (Oregon) begins planning his October training and delegating responsibilities to other staff members in March—a full six months' lead time. Click here to read Schulman's step-by-step process, including types of skills training and when to call on outside experts.

Go on to Orientation Agendas

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