BENEFITS | TESTIMONIALS | COORDINATION | FACILITATION | GETTING STARTED | PROGRAM FAQ LeaderSpark provides all of the materials and expertise for YOU to coordinate an effective LeaderSpark program. Whenever you have questions or need additional assistance, LeaderSpark is only a phone call or e-mail away. Coordinator Guidebook The Coordinator Guidebook is a key resource and provides information on topics important for administering a LeaderSpark program. The materials in the guidebook support the Program Coordinator in marketing, organizing, recruiting, training, evaluating, documenting and communicating. The Guidebook Timeline that follows lays out steps to implement successfully the LeaderSpark program. The Appendix Sections include examples of forms, letters, evaluation instruments, and master copies of materials that can be reproduced in quantity by local LeaderSpark programs. Administering the Program The coordination of LeaderSpark requires: (1) Structure and Process (2) Communication, Communication, Communication! Program Structure: The Program Coordinator Coordination is key to a well run LeaderSpark program. While the administrative function can be carried out by one or several people in various types of collaborative structures and processes, the most effective way to think about program administration is to have a Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator is the contact or point person for the program. While LeaderSpark provides facilitator training, this volunteer-driven program needs a knowledgeable professional to provide support and coordination of the volunteer facilitators. See a sample job description for a Program Coordinator in Appendix, Section A of the Coordinator Guidebook. Other Administrative Roles Logistical program support for example can either be provided through the sponsoring organizations, several volunteers, or through a paid part-time administrative assistant. (See volunteer roles in Appendix, Section A of the Coordinator Guidebook. Organizational Roles While the Coordinator is the key role, there is a saying: "You alone can do it, but you can't do it alone." In addition to a Program Coordinator, LeaderSpark needs a program structure that allows the stakeholders (i.e., individuals who have a stake in the program) to participate in making policy and/or implementation decisions, and in attracting volunteers to support the program. The three key organizational ingredients in program implementation are: Access to youth, who will be recruited as program participants. This may involve one or more school(s) or community group(s) that work directly with youth - or businesses or civic groups that have contacts with potential program participants. "Liaisons" in youth-serving organizations can distribute program information and help recruit LeaderSpark participants. (The Guidebook includes sample materials and forms for youth-serving organizations.) Access to facilitators, who will serve as volunteers (often along with paid staff) with the program, interacting with the youth participants and facilitating the curriculum at the program sessions. It is preferable to have adult facilitators who reflect the same diversity represented in the youth participants. In addition to serving as facilitators, other volunteer roles may include food coordinator, photographer, and "minutes-taker." (The Guidebook includes a description of volunteer positions.) Financial support for the program implementation, which includes in-kind donations. Funds and other support can come from the sponsoring organizations grants, fund-raising activities, and/or youth participants and their families. Civic organizations, youth-serving community groups, businesses, schools and educational organizations, and religious groups are examples of groups that may have access to youth, access to adult facilitators, and/or could provide financial support for the program. One or more of these groups can sponsor a LeaderSpark Program. The program is flexible and can be adapted to various group configurations and local community needs. Implementation Processes While a program structure is needed, effective processes also are important to implement the program and support volunteers. These organizational and program implementation activities include: Organizing a Steering or Program Committee Defining volunteer "jobs" or areas of responsibilities Identifying and recruiting volunteers and other in-kind resources Training facilitators and providing on-going communications around for the program Providing logistical program support Sharing participant and other evaluation information with "stakeholders" (e.g., funders, volunteers) Making short and long-term program decisions LeaderSpark provides the information, examples of materials, and facilitator training to make the implementation easy for any organization. Program Communication Successful collaborative programs need a great amount of communication. As a general rule, it is impossible for the Coordinator to communicate too much! Important forms of communications are included in the Guidebook. Key areas of communication include: Communications using the marketing materials that come with the LeaderSpark curriculum to convey: the purpose and content of LeaderSpark; and the program's track-record and benefits for youth participants, facilitators, and sponsoring organizations. This marketing is important to get commitment from key constituencies such as: youth, parents, school principals or directors of youth organizations, businesses, funders, and other community leaders. The LeaderSpark packet of brochures, fact-sheets, overheads, and power point presentation provide hands-on, easy to use communication tools to support program development and implementation. Communications with program participants and parents/caregivers before, during and after the program. There is an average of seven different communications directed to youth participants and their parents/caregivers to recruit them before the program, keep them informed during the program, and to seek their continuing involvement as volunteers at the end of the program. Communications with the facilitators, contributors and the local media after the completion of LeaderSpark, to thank people/groups for their contributions, share evaluation information, and provide press releases. Communications with LeaderSpark "graduates" to share how alumni are applying their skills and training in community service projects, as youth representatives on community boards, or in leadership roles in schools or community organizations. Sponsoring organizations often publish stories about LeaderSpark participants and highlight youth alumni in corporate newsletters or in the local media.