Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies: The Building Blocks of Change

Goals:
Goals are like Generals. They look at big picture. Goals show us what the world will look like after the achievement of the objectives. Goals are broad and inclusive. Goals meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Objectives:
Objectives are like Sergeants. They take their directions from Generals (Goals). Each objective exists solely in support of the goal.

Action Strategies:
Action Strategies are the foot soldiers. They are the ones who get their hands dirty. Action Strategies are the specifc steps / actions which need to happen to bring completion to the objective, and eventually, the goal.

EXAMPLE:

Goal #1
To recruit, place, and support at least (300) students in service and service-learning experiences.

Objective
A. To develop a comprehensive publicity and promotional plan to recruit (300) students.

Action Strategies

  1. Contact at least (20) faculty to involve students through course options/credit.
  2. Speak in at least (20) classes.
  3. Produce and distribute a second issue of The Vital Times, a community service newspaper.
  4. Develop and distribute attractive flyers, posters, and brochures.
  5. Address (5) collegial meetings or events.
  6. Develop a community service directory and promotional display in the current display case.
  7. (4) articles in the student newspaper.
  8. Do at least (2) semesterly "Volunteer Updates" or news releases.
  9. Coordinate annual "Volunteer Fair" for Fall with at least (25) agencies participating.
  10. Conduct at least (10) tabling sessions per semester in the GC forum for recruitment.
  11. Work closely with at least (2) fraternities/sororities and (2) academic, honor or interest societies.
  12. Develop a phonebanking network to contact volunteers for outreach projects.

Objective
B. To institute an effective selection and placement process for at least (300) volunteers.

Action Strategies

  1. Conduct large orientations and placement sessions, rather than hundreds of one-on-one placements.
  2. Interview and match at least (100) students with specific community needs.
  3. Create varied and diverse volunteer opportunities to better serve potential volunteers.
  4. Provide students with volunteer job descriptions, program information, and refer students to service sites.
  5. Provide students with information on volunteerism, skill building, service documentation, service-learning action planning, and reflection methods.
  6. Complete follow-up on all volunteers to assure placement success.

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