Publication Date: April 2009

Publications >> Good Samaritans Home  >> Training Volunteers >> Action Plan

Training Volunteers

Action Plan

2 months prior to training:

1. Recruit volunteers through—
• Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith communities.
• The local volunteer clearinghouse.
• Press releases to newspapers and television outlets.
• Stories in the local press, including alternative publications.
• Colleges and universities.
• Civic clubs and service organizations.
• Public service announcements on local radio stations.
2. Set a date for training.
3. Reserve a facility.

1 month prior to training:

1. Have prospective volunteers fill out an application and prequalify them by conducting a phone interview.
2. Prescreen volunteers for—
• Availability.
• Telephone skills.
• Access to transportation.
• Access to a telephone.
• Ability to follow written instructions and complete required paperwork.
• Consent to a criminal background and reference check.
3. Enlist training team for key topics.
4. Enlist volunteers for support functions.
5. Plan food service.

2 weeks prior to training:

1. Confirm reservations.
2. Prepare all handouts and training manuals.
3. Begin criminal background and reference checks on prospective volunteers.
4. Send relevant training manual segments to presenters (e.g., agenda, guidelines, tip sheets).
5. Prepare a training agenda (see sample agenda).

1 week prior to training:

1. Confirm trainee attendance.
2. Confirm meal and snack plans.
3. Confirm speakers.

1 day before training:

1. Set up the facility.
2. Buy paper products and supplies.
3. Make reminder calls to all attendees, volunteers, and speakers.

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