two assignment of community and service

Mini-Lecture for Week 6

This week we will begin to focus and reflect on the characteristics of an effective volunteer. These characteristics include useful skills to enhance our volunteer effectiveness and "make a difference activities", as well as our perceptions of those who are the objects of our helping efforts. It is important also to look carefully at how we see the world and what our basic philosophy about helping those in need is all about. It is necessary for us, as volunteers and community members, to have an attitude that fosters growth and change in ourselves and others. We also have to develop significant commitment and identification with our community and community issues. Commitment to community and community residents is mandatory in order to make our helping processes beneficial.

The helping skills we possess and develop , as well as who we are as a developing human being, are important in our becoming effective helpers and to help people know that our caring is genuine caring.

We begin with an activity (assignment #2) to help us think about what characteristics volunteers need to possess that make them most effective in their volunteer efforts. We must also recognize that making change in communities or in volunteer settings requires the cooperation of many other people. We will look at some skills that can be useful in working with others to elicit their cooperation in moving our change efforts forward. Assignment #3 focuses on the application of interpersonal skills in our work with people in the larger (macro) environment. After all, much of what we do is person to person, however, we must also look at skills that make us effective working with small groups as well.

It is also important to reflect on how we see ourselves with regard to others. Consequently, there is a reflective writing assignment that give you an opportunity to focus on where you are in this regard. Readings will not be included in this week's activities.

Please disregard the following paragraph. You have already done this. It is now time to begin to learn the fundamentals of web site development. This is often a challenge but, mostly, it is just new. You will find that much of the process of authoring a web site is somewhat similar to working with Microsoft Word and creating documents. The tutorial will take you through the steps and, if you have questions, please feel very free to e-mail me. Some of your future assignments will be placed on your web site. Actually, the development of a web site is quite fun and exciting. So, enjoy the process. Remember this is the computer world and, although it can be somewhat frustrating at times, it can also be an adventure. So take some deep breaths and jump in!

By now, you should be getting your volunteer experience arranged and confirmed. You should begin accumulating actual volunteer hours no later than week 8 in order to have enough time to complete all course requirements. If you are having problems confirming with your chosen agency or program, please let me know. Best wishes

Homework 1:

CHARACTERISTICS OF

AN EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT

Mini-Lecture: This week we will expand our focus on the skills and characteristics that enhance volunteer effectiveness. A desire to MAKE A DIFFERENCE must be accompanied by attitudes and skills that help us relate and interact effectively in our make a difference efforts. We may be working with children, young people, adults, or older citizens etc., as we try to effect individual change. When we are working to change environmental conditions we may be working with company or community leaders, colleagues, politicians, and others to implement programs or to assist with programs, or possibly to find resources for programs that we believe will have a positive impact on the lives of people in communities.

There are characteristics that could be considered essential characteristics and behaviors for effective volunteers. We need to look carefully at the characteristics that enhance our effectiveness as volunteers. This is a focus on effective use of self in helping others.

Here is the assignment:

Please choose five (5) characteristics that you consider essential for every volunteer to develop and cultivate.

Discuss each of those characteristics and why they are essential for delivery of meaningful volunteer services.

Discuss how these characteristics might affect the volunteer/recipient interaction.

Discuss how these characteristics might affect the developing of a helping relationship.

Discuss how these characteristics might affect the overall outcome of your volunteer efforts.

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