Module 3: Ideas Boxes

Types of tools

Explain the purpose 

Methodology 

Needs analysis

Tips & Strategies

Gather a group of adult educators, community leaders, and stakeholders involved in the project.

Provide an overview of the project and its goals to ensure everyone understands the context.

Checklist

Invitations to members from your neighborhood

List of ideas for your project  

Types of tools

Prepare worksheets/templates including different types of assets to guide the participant

Methodology 

Quantitative / Analytical research

Tips & Strategies

Clarify the specific scope and focus based on the project goals.

Determine the key areas of assets to explore, such as individuals' skills, community organisations, physical spaces, cultural resources or existing networks

Checklist

Align project goals to the specified scope

Focus on key areas

Types of tools

Divide the participants into small groups, each focusing on a specific area or category of assets.

Methodology‍

Brainstorming.

Tips & Strategies

Encourage participants to think broadly and consider both tangible and intangible assets, such as skills, knowledge, relationships, community spaces, or cultural traditions.

Checklist

‍Record the identified assets in the worksheets or templates.

Types of tools

Based on the prioritized assets, develop action plans for utilizing and mobilizing the assets within the project.

Assign responsibilities and timelines for each action plan, ensuring that they align with the project's overall timeline and objectives.

Methodology

‍Primary Research.

Tips & Strategies

Integrate the identified assets and action plans into the overall project management plan.

Ensure that the project activities leverage the community assets effectively and align with the identified strengths and resources.

Checklist‍

Regularly review and update the asset mapping information as the project progresses.

Encourage ongoing engagement with the community to identify new assets that emerge and incorporate them into the project.

Types of tools

Explain the purpose of the Community Fundraising Event Emphasize the importance of community engagement and participation in fundraising efforts

Methodology 

Discussion

Tips & Strategies

Discuss the different types of fundraising events that are suitable for SEDN

Consider events such as charity walks, community festivals, talent shows, or sports tournaments.

Assess the feasibility, resources required, and potential for community participation for each event type.

Checklist

Present different types of events suitable for your neighborhood

Make sure that the identified event correspondents to your audience

Types of tools

Form a planning committee with adult educators, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Methodology

‍Brainstorming.

Tips & Strategies

Determine the financial resources needed to organize the event.

Create a budget that includes estimated costs for venue rental, permits, equipment, marketing materials, food and beverages, entertainment, and any other necessary expenses.

Explore potential sources of funding, such as sponsorships, in-kind donations, or grants, to cover the event costs.

Checklist‍

Plan well-in advance. Seek support from local businesses, community organisations and government agencies.

Types of tools

Divide the participants into small groups, each focusing on a specific area or category of assets.

Methodology

‍Brainstorming.

Tips & Strategies

Encourage participants to think broadly and consider both tangible and intangible assets, such as skills, knowledge, relationships, community spaces, or cultural traditions.

Checklist

‍Record the identified assets in the worksheets or templates .

Types of tools

Based on the prioritized assets, develop action plans for utilizing and mobilizing the assets within the project.

Assign responsibilities and timelines for each action plan, ensuring that they align with the project's overall timeline and objectives

Methodology‍

Primary Research

Tips & Strategies

Integrate the identified assets and action plans into the overall project management plan.

Ensure that the project activities leverage the community assets effectively and align with the identified strengths and resources

Checklist

‍Regularly review and update the asset mapping information as the project progresses.

Encourage ongoing engagement with the community to identify new assets that emerge and incorporate them into the project.

Types of tools

Explain the purpose of the Community Volunteers Engagement to the adult educators and project stakeholders.

Emphasize the importance of volunteer engagement and participation in community initiatives

Methodology 

Research – desk & focus groups 

Tips & Strategies

Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific areas or activities that require volunteer support within the socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Determine the skills, expertise, and time commitments needed for each volunteer role.

Checklist

Define the specific volunteer roles and responsibilities based on the identified needs.

Create clear and concise role descriptions that outline the tasks, qualifications, time commitments, and any necessary training for each role.

Ensure that the roles are inclusive and accessible, considering the diverse backgrounds and abilities of potential volunteers.

Types of tools

Develop a targeted outreach and promotion strategy to reach potential volunteers within the community.

Establish partnerships and collaborations with local organisations, schools, universities, businesses, and community groups that have a commitment to social responsibility and volunteerism.

‍Methodology

‍Social media; Local newspaper; Online tools for design of promotional materials like canva; clipchamp, etc. 

Tips & Strategies‍

Utilize various communication channels, including social media platforms, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, flyers, and word-of-mouth.

Collaborate with these partners to promote volunteer opportunities among their members, students, employees, or stakeholders.

Checklist

‍Make sure that messages  reflect the values and aspirations of potential volunteers and highlight the positive impact they can make.

Types of tools

Develop a comprehensive volunteer orientation program to introduce new volunteers to the project, its goals, and the specific roles they will be undertaking.

Develop a volunteer recognition and retention strategy to foster a positive and supportive environment

‍Methodology

‍Consult with the EU initiatives like European Solidary Corps and other programmes encouraging volunteering.

Tips & Strategies‍

Provide training sessions or resources to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.

Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers, addressing any concerns or challenges they may face. 

Encourage open feedback and suggestions from volunteers to continuously improve the volunteer engagement process.

Checklist

Ensure that the training is accessible, engaging, and relevant to the socio-economic context of the community.

Recognize and appreciate volunteers' contributions through certificates, awards, public acknowledgments, or appreciation events.

Types of tools

Regularly assess the impact of volunteer activities.  

‍Methodology

Interviews; Questionnaires 

Tips & Strategies‍

Collect feedback from volunteers and community members to evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer program. 

Document the success stories, testimonials, and achievements of volunteers and their impact on the community.

Checklist

Use the evaluation results to make improvements and adjustments as needed.

Share these stories through various communication channels to inspire and motivate potential volunteers.