I’ve been struggling for months trying to figure out what my focus should be. What am I passionate about? I love my kids, but no one would want to read about them all the time … and since they are grownups, would they still talk to me if I blogged about their lives in a public forum? I considered writing about some of the serving ministries I participate in as one of my classmates suggested, but the interesting stories are confidential and I haven’t pinned myself down to just one anyway. What about the missionary family we support in Ecuador? I designed a mock web site for them last term—old news and communication is not reliable enough to give them the coverage they need.
I finally decided to talk about myself and my life experiences. Although therapeutic for me, I’m still not convinced it would be an interesting and popular blog and I’m certain if I didn’t soon run out of things to say, I’d quickly tire of what I consider my whining. Many of my classmates have found topics they not only want to blog about, but are already considering for their final Capstone project. What’s with me?
It’s finals week and I intended to spend the entire weekend on my final projects. Unfortunately, the commitments I’ve made to family, friends, church, and work don’t wait for finals to be over. My church was planning a missions fair and fundraiser today so I had committed to putting together two baskets for the silent auction, making fliers and price lists, and manning a booth. This morning as I was fighting with the clear acetate that keeps the stuff in the basket … ten minutes before it was supposed to be delivered, it struck me. I’ve encouraged friends to serve and held leadership positions in several programs. I ignored the call to write about it because, unlike fellow volunteers, I’ve not committed to one cause. Herein lies the answer to my quest.
Executive Summary: Many people who are interested in serving the local community are not affiliated with a church or may be new to the area or are temporary residents. They need a place where they can find information on serving opportunities and meet other like-minded people.
Problem Statement: People need details. They want to know exactly what is needed and what they will be doing. They often don't want to hand over money blindly, but want to supply a specific item that they shop for themselves. And they run in packs. Few people want to enter a homeless shelter or a Habitat build by themselves. They want to meet the people they will encounter there before they begin.
There is no one place in Dayton, OH area where those willing to serve can find out what needs to be done and where. Many people have never served before and are not sure what they are comfortable doing. They want to try out various missions and find out for themselves where their passions lead them.
A notice in a newsletter might be enough for some, but I’ve found from trial and error that people respond better to a personal touch. Send an email out at the office asking for help doing something and see what response you get. Stop by someone’s desk or call them on the phone and ask the same question and see how many more followers you’ll get. It’s hard to turn down a personal request for help. I should know. I’m the expert at saying yes when my brain is screaming no!
Product Description: The site will feature a moderated wiki where various groups can post their needs. A vacation Bible school that expected 50 children and attracted 200? They need more supplies, volunteers, and childcare for volunteers with young children. A fundraiser festival? They need volunteers to run children’s booths, prizes, and a clean-up crew. A church organizing a mission trip to Japan? They need more participants, donations of sky miles and supplies. Needs will be posted real-time and an RSS feed will distribute the posts.
One section will be dedicated to a blog where volunteers can comment on their experiences and encourage others to join them. Message boards will allow people to meet, talk, and get to know each other before they participate and prospective volunteers can post their interests and skills so they can be match with organizations. Posters will be required to supply a valid telephone number or email where the website staff can contact them for more information. Much like CraigsList, the posters can remain anonymous if they desire.
To avoid being inundated with school and sports fundraisers, those activities will be placed in a separate area so that boosters from different school districts can see what is happening in their specific schools.
About Us: I am an active community member. Although I have held leadership positions, I have not committed to one mission. My passion is variety and encouragement of others to serve. Although the blog will be based on Christian mission, it will be open to any type of community need and serving opportunity.
A great job on a new plan. You identified a problem and stated how you could help fix it in a concise way. What more can one say? Well, since I like to be thorough in my reviews, I will say more. You've incorporated modern media to help solve real-time problems. That's a great idea. Can't go wrong with one-stop shopping for anything, even Bible school. 200 kids at Bible school is a nice problem to have, but still a problem if all you were expecting was 50. In my time around churches, people within the community are always willing to help. they just need to know, who, what, where, why and how much. Your site will provide those answers. On the technical side, you've written a sound document. Maybe change "About Us" to "About Me" or refer to yourself in the third person. It's kind of odd to see "About Us" followed by "I". Just a thought from the Peanut gallery. Overall a fine piece of work.
ReplyDeleteMimi, I like this plan! It provides a clear solution to a problem. There is nothing more frustrating to my volunteer side than to show up to "help" with a project and not have a clear role that best plays off my abilities. You do a nice job incorporating technology into your plan. By studying people and their abilities, you can hone in on specific tasks for individuals. This will create happy volunteers and longterm support.
ReplyDeleteNow we're talking, Mimi!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your presentation and script, I thought to myself, "she's passionate about her faith and about service. What can we do with that?" Of course, you know that, too. It's almost like it was so big and so obvious, so much a part of you, that you didn't think of it as good material. Or, maybe you just couldn't find the right words until now. :-)
I especially liked what you said in the problem statement about how people run in packs and like to have met others before they show up for a service opportunity. You've found a way to make the old I'll-go-if-you-go security blanked work for you. You eliminate the excuse, "but I don't want to go alone." Now they won't have to. What a great idea.
The writing here has improved vastly over your midterm proposal, for obvious reasons. You state not just the overall need, but you cite specific instances in which a site like this would be helpful. Your enthusiasm runs under your words like a swift but subtle current.
I'm just so pleased. Great work all semester!