The document outlines proposals to increase inclusion and engagement of interns, volunteers, work-study students at Building Hope Children's Learning Center. It suggests: 1) Giving interns a manual before training to inform them of their duties and have them brainstorm and plan projects for the semester to increase efficiency. 2) Having interns attend staff meetings to present events and increase exposure between interns and staff. 3) Briefing all volunteers, even once a week participants, on classroom procedures and expectations to maintain consistency for the children. 4) Holding short training meetings for consistent volunteers and one-on-one briefings for sporadic volunteers to ensure they understand their roles and can run classes

1. IDEAS FOR INTERNS AND
VOLUNTEERS
Destiny Devone
Abstract
A short document outlining possible modifications for intern and volunteer involvement.
November 30, 2015

2. INTERN AND VOLUNTEER MANGEMENT DEVONE, D. 1
Intern and Volunteer Objective
A few weeks ago we discussed some changes and practices we could implement to
increase inclusion and sense of community between the interns, volunteers, work-study students,
and professional staff. Below are a few concepts:
Interns
Brainstorm Leeway
During the period before training, approximately a week to ten days, they would be notified
of their responsibilities in a short comprehensive manual (through email). Also they would be
informed of their duties for Fun Friday and planning as a team. Before they arrive for training the
following week, they should already have an idea of what they would like to do as a project; this
allows the entire team to loosely plan for the first half of the semester upon arriving, adding more
efficiency and understanding. A second meeting like this could occur at the midway point to plan
the last half of the semester and gives a chance to alter what hasn’t been working. This way there
are no abrupt changes that may throw off the flow of the general structure; less confusion for the
kids, less confusion for the staff. Also during training, they would select a meeting day that is set
from the start to occur every week or every other week. Before the end of the meeting, the group
should have a plan for week 2 done, since week 2 is for introductions and expectations; this week
could serve as a trial run that the group can use as a basis to work from while developing their
plans. Plans for the semester should be done by week 3, submitted to Mrs. Leslie and shared with
all site members.

3. INTERN AND VOLUNTEER MANGEMENT DEVONE, D. 2
The training manual mentioned would include sections on the schedule, Building Hope’s
policies, and family oriented environment (just like before) in addition to forms (ABC,
homework, fire drill, strikes records) and methods for working with more difficult children.
Inclusion for other Employees
The easiest way to further include staff would be attending staff meetings and presenting
the upcoming events. Mr. James recently mentioned wanting to include the interns during staff
meetings and I think it would make a huge difference. It would also increase the amount of
exposure the staff and student workers have with each other, increasing comradery.
Volunteers
One of the major issues this semester has been volunteers feeling like they have nothing
to do or not being as engaged as they could be. Sometimes, this is because of volunteers not
expecting the load or not intending do take on the full load that comes with volunteering with
BHCLC; in contrast, this could be a lack of instruction and communication on our part, where a
good volunteer is just lost in the daily motion rather than being lazy.
Understand the Daily happenings in the Classroom
It is essential that the volunteers be able to run a class as if they were regular team
members. Not having the same control or methods is understandable since they are volunteers
who could be inexperienced, however there are basic modes in place such as the ABC sheets,
strikes, 10 or 20 minute reading minimum and finishing homework before free time, which
should be common place. Having all volunteers, even once a week participants, on the same
page would give the children a core structure where they can expect to have to watch their
behavior and progress every day, regardless of the teacher.
Volunteer Briefing

4. INTERN AND VOLUNTEER MANGEMENT DEVONE, D. 3
On the part of the interns, work-study students and employees who have been trained, it
is our duty to fill in the volunteers using two methods. For volunteers who come early or
consistently, a meeting (similar to a short training) that fills them in on the daily happenings
before the children separate into the classrooms. This meeting would have one to two trained
workers at its head. For more sporadic volunteers, one on one briefing and occasional
observation.
Conclusion
If any of this sounds ideal I’d love to work on this as a pet project over the break. Thank you for
your consideration.