Report

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:

1. Describe the history of the organization – why it was formed, original purpose, original structure, length of existence, and what needs it was meant to address. 

2. Describe the mission, vision and purpose of the organization today – target population (what are the needs of the people it serves, ages, other relevant demographics), objectives and goals (what is it trying to achieve overall), Short-term and long-term goals (for example, what impact does it aim for today and in the short-term through its programming; and in the future – what is the overall goal it is aiming for?) 

3. Describe the scope of services – what are the various types of services it provides for the target population, and for the larger community (if applicable). 

4. Describe the structure of the organization – how large is it, how many staff does it employ, volunteers? Board of directors? What is the annual operating budget? 

5. How does the organization fund its activities? Is it non-profit, for-profit? Does it receive money from donors and fundraising events/drives? Does it receive money from the local, state or federal government? If so, what types? 

6. Describe the organizations measures for accountability – How does it know it is doing what it intends to do? Does the organization have an annual evaluation? How do they track their outcomes – whether or not they are reaching their stated goals and objectives? 

7. Are professional social workers active with this organization (through employment, volunteer service, technical assistance or other types of leadership?). If so, explain. 

8. How do policies impact the functioning of this organization (positively or negatively)? How does this organization impact policy?

DESCRIPTION OF OTHERS’ FEEDBACK: 

1. Interview the person who interacted with this agency but is not a staff (e.g., a family member, community member or other volunteer of this organization). Describe his/her opinion on the needs of this agency’s clients – What are the general and/or specific needs among clients? Why do they choose to come here for service?

3. Describe his/her suggestions on improving the agency’s environment, facilities, and services.

4. Beyond the services provided by the agency, what other external resources or change (e.g., policy, community or school efforts) does he/she think should make for meeting the clients’ needs?

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR EXPERIENCE: 

1. After you’ve researched the organization, interviewed a staff member and other person related to this agency, describe your overall impression of the organization. 

2. Based on the information you learned about their goals and objectives, and the benchmarks they use for measuring whether they are achieving their goals, do you think these measures accurately gauge whether or not they are doing what they intend to do? Are they impacting children/the community in the way they intend? Do you think they are making a difference? 

3. Is this a place where you can see yourself wanting to work or volunteer in the future? Why or why not? 

4. In the future, can you see yourself serving on the board of directors, giving money to this organization or advocating for policies in support of its mission and services? Why or why not? 

5. Other thoughts about your experience?