Agency perspective on working with Urban Program students and other volunteer groups
from Jeremy Main (St. Louis)
What concerns do agencies have about working with volunteer groups?
- Agencies have different postures toward volunteer groups: Some need them, some accept & utilize them if offered, and some are hesitant or unable to accept them.
- Safety of volunteers
- Mistakes by volunteers
- Complaining or insubordination
- Pejorative attitudes of volunteers that get scored against the agency
- They are inefficient in terms of work accomplished and can cost the agency money.
- Have volunteers been screened?
What contributes to a good experience for all?
- Communication and follow-through
- A good orientation
- Don’t expect the agency to change
- Meaningful work, no make-work!
- Stress the context
- Volunteers who pay attention, ask questions and take initiative.
How can an urban project director cultivate good relationship with an agency?
- Have face-face interactions
- Be open and honest about hopes and expectations
- Be proactive: ask questions
- Strive for long-term relationship
- Follow through on agreements
- Debrief, discuss and evaluate the UP experience from both sides
- Prepare your students for service at the agency
- Take a genuine interest in the mission of the agency and the life of the director.
What can an urban project director do to prepare students?
- Have the agency help prepare them for ministry appropriate to the context
- Help your students understand the philosophy of the agency
- Cultivate a servant heart in your students – expect it.
- Help them form realistic expectations about what they’ll be doing.
What can an urban project director do to help an agency director understand urban projects?
- Meet face-to-face. Share the vision, including our desired outcomes. Connect to IV.
- Invite the agency director to your turf, e.g., campus fellowship prior to.
- Memorandum of Understanding
