S T E P S
IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF
YOUR TEAM PROJECT

1) Select and define the problem / issue
* Conduct a needs assessment.
* Contact related non-profit agencies (interviews, meetings, create coalitions).
* Meet with members of the community in need.
* Match needs of agency & clients / community with your academic goals and objectives.

2) Become an Expert: Research your topic / issue area / collect data
* Search the library for all available resources (magainzes, journals, books, etc)
* Contact local / state / national organizations related to your issues (contact your volunteer center for resources).
* Check out the Internet- conduct a search on the World Wide Web.

3) Formualte a Team Action Plan and Timeline
* What is it that you want to achieve? (include not only changed conditions, but changed attitudes)
* Develop a vision / mission statement.
* Write your team goals, objectives, and action strategies.
* Identify service activities. (How will each members' service hours be spent - direct service, research, recruitment, publicity, needs assessment, etc.?)
* Delegate roles and tasks.
* Set a timeline for the accomplishment of tasks.

4) What skills and / or information do you need to accomplish tasks which you / your team does not have, or needs more of?
Contact The VAC for assistance in:
* Formulation of Action Plans.
* How to recruit volunteers.
* How to publicize an event or program.
* How to develop quality service projects and outreach campaigns.
* How to launch a media campaign (Media advocacy, cable access, electronic networking, designing a public interest campaign, op-eds, talk radio, print media)
* Countering Corporate Power
* Creative ideas for small fundraisers ($100-$1,000)
* Assess and Persuasion of Decision-makers (Administration, Politicians, etc.)
* Building Alliances and Coalitions

5) Move into Action
* Follow team action plans and timeline
* Be flexible, modify goals / objectives / strategies

6) Evaluation
* Did we accomplish what we set out to do? Why or why not?
* What did we learn? (About ourselves, our community, our country, the world)
* Reviewing our Relfective Journals (see Reflection handout)
[Letter Icon] Send Mail To The VAC: time4chg@solix.fiu.edu