December 2006 Archives - Volunteer Management & Supervison articles from Volunteer Today

As we near the end of the year, now is a good time to review your annual report or make plans to develop one. Here is a checklist that is helpful to see how yours compares or a guide if you want to attempt one.

Vision Casting

Another good tool for the new year is Vision Casting. It can be thought of as a painting and is comprised of the following items:

Vision - "If you can dream it, you can do it." ~ Walt Disney

The vision is everything you see in your mind before it touches the page of reality. It can also be thought of as blank canvas awaiting the picture to emerge.

Mission - "Give me a place to stand and I will move the earth." ~ Archimedes, Greek philosopher

If you were painting a picture, the mission would be the sun. Write out your mission. This is a time to dream big and revisit how you want the rays of your big picture to affect the rest of the elements.

Goals – "A goal is a dream with a deadline." ~ Napoleon Hill

A goal adds detail by breaking down the skyline into smaller pieces such as programs or areas of service. These are the shapes of the painting.

Challenges – "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." ~ Will Rogers

The challenges are the obstacles that are in your path. They are the mountains and molehills of the picture. It is helpful to list them and formulate a strategy of overcoming them.

Supports – "But, you know, those three words - I need help. If only I'd said them
earlier." ~ Elton John

The supports are individuals, groups and resources that will be a part of the vision. They are like the water in the painting that can refresh you.

Values – "Conscience is a man's compass." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

The values are what you want to resonate throughout the whole vision. It's the land in the picture that everything is built upon.

Steps – "Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it." ~ Anonymous

The steps denote the route an organization and/or individual take toward the vision. It should have the same impact that will leave the marks of someone walking along the beach.

Once you have the vision clear in your mind, it is time for implementation. If you are having a hard time feeling creative, just remember what Michelangelo said, "A man paints with his brains and not with his hands."

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Washington State University offers a Volunteer Management Certification Program through the Internet. Individuals around the world can earn a certificate in managing or coordinating volunteers, without leaving home. For more information, visit Volunteer Today's Portal site, Internet Resources. Look for the Washington State University listing. There is a hot link to their Web site.