Spark - What is the Process for Volunteers?
Step 1: Meet
Interested individuals meet with a Spark staff person. The purpose of the meeting is to share information: about Spark is and what we do, about your specific skills and experience, your availability and how much time you would be willing to contribute. This information makes it possible for us to better match you with an organization that needs your help!
Step 2: Match
When a group comes forward that needs help in an area that you are willing to share their expertise, Spark arranges a meeting between you, a Spark staff person, and someone from the community organization. This is a chance to get to know each other and have an initial discussion around what it is that the group hopes to accomplish and how you can help them. If everyone is in agreement and is ready to work together, a brief contract which outlines the commitment and expectations of all parties is developed.
Step 3: Work
Your and people from the group or organization work together to accomplish what it is you have agreed on, on a timeline and pace that works for everyone. Spark monitors and supports the process, and will check in to see how things are going – and we are only a phone call or email away if you need some advice or more information to help things along.
Step 4: Evaluate
Once the work has been completed, we would like to know how it has gone. We ask that both you as the volunteer and the organization to fill out a confidential evaluation form. This is important because it helps us to learn what works and what needs to be improved for the future.