Be
careful with your pennies and you will have plenty of dollars.
This module
can be studied on its own if you only want to learn some techniques
for helping your group, organization or community identify the
resources that exist within. The module, however, is a part of
a sequence of steps on the program planning process. To understand
this module as a part of that process you need to review (or do)
modules E-4, E-5, E-6, and E-7.
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
After completing
this module you should be able to:
1. Describe
five techniques for locating resources.
2. Select and adapt one or more of the resource assessment techniques
to your group, organization or community.
TECHNIQUES
FOR ASSESSING RESOURCES
After you
have written specific objectives for the group with which you
are working (see module E-7) and before you develop a written
plan, you need to make sure that you have the resources to carry
out your objectives. If you do not, then the objectives may need
to be rewritten or some may need to be dropped.
You may,
however, have more resources available than you think. Some groups
keep an inventory of resources and add to that inventory constantly.
Different
organizations use different techniques to inventory resources.
Examine the following examples which are described below and found
on the following pages.
A. 4-H
Parent Interest List - Parents are an often unused resource
in youth groups. This questionnaire asks parents to check skills
and resources that they are willing to share. Could your group
use a "spouse" interest inventory? (See the next page)
B. Community
Church Needs - This inventory is posted on the church bulletin
board. The pastor reports that he is continually amazed at what
he gets merely by asking.
C. Inventory
Wall Chart - A civic organization in a small community uses
this wall chart on a large piece of poster board to keep track
of resources. Periodically, it is brought to meetings and updated
(resources added or deleted).
D. Notebook
of Resources - The Chamber of Commerce in a small town keeps
track of resources in a notebook. The Vice President is assigned
to keep the notebook current. Whenever a resource is identified,
the Vice President has someone fill out the notebook form.
E. Inventory
Worksheet for Committees
4-H
PARENT INTEREST LIST
Please check
the things you are willing to do if your 4-H club needs them.
_____
Encourage my son or daughter to participate in community,
as well as project 4-H clubwork and we will participate as a family
with the club as much as possible.
_____
Lend kitchen, backyard, living room or garage for an occasional
meeting.
_____
Help provide light refreshments. (Your son or daughter serves
them. A committee helps with clean-up.)
_____
Share a special interest or hobby with the group. Name the
interest:
_____
Help in a car pool for transportation to 4-H meetings.
_____
Chaperone and/or provide transportation for a tour, picnic
or party.
_____
Help telephone parents for last minute announcements.
_____
Encourage my son or daughter to start and complete projects
on time. I will take an active interest in him (her) and encourage
pride in his (her) own achievements.
_____
Urge my son or daughter to attend all meetings or to notify
both host(ess) and leader if unable to attend.
_____
Assist 4-H project leaders. . .List:
My Hobbies:
Other volunteer
interests:
4-H Committees
Exhibits
Clerical
Ticket sales
Hostessing
Program planning
4-H Camping
Fine arts
Assist at
Fair
Registration
Local 4-H
Committee
4-H Tours
Host 4-H
member at Civic Club meetings
NAME
PHONE
ADDRESS
NAME OF SON
OR DAUGHTER
COMMUNITY
CHURCH NEEDS
Our church
or individual members need the following items. If you can provide
them, or have any suggestions, please leave your name and
number.
I can
provide it !! I would accept the following payment:
NEEDS
Name
Phone
Part-time
secretary 5 hours/week
1 used refrigerator
for parsonage
Babysitter
for nursery on Sunday
Someone to
write news releases
Someone to
design posters and banners
Old bed sheets
for art projects
Use of portable
generator for three days
----------Questions?
Check with the Secretary inside.----------
INVENTORY
WALL CHART
Organization
or Individual
Volunteers
Funds
Equipment
Supplies
Facilities
Expert
Advice
Other
NOTEBOOK
INVENTORY FORM
Name
of Individual or Organization: Updated (Date):
Who to
contact:
Phone:
Address:
Resources
Available:
People:
Name
Skills
Equipment
Interests
Facilities:
Supplies:
Services:
Funds:
Others:
What do we
do for them:
Comments:
INVENTORY
WORKSHEET FOR COMMITTEES
Project or
Activity:
What do we
need?
Who has
it?
How do
we get it?
Ask
Trade
Buy
Other
Questions
for Discussion
1. Would
any of the five examples (above) be useful to your organization?
2. Could you adapt one of these resource inventory techniques
to your organization?
3. How are you going to assess resources in your organization?
EXERCISE
With a partner
who is also familiar with your organization, choose one of the
inventory forms. Fill it in to the best of your abilities. Then
take it to other members of your organization and add more information
to it. Finally, use it regularly. Update it monthly. Refer to
it when you need ideas for resources.
