- Define the need.
- What is the goal of the project- are you going to solve the problem, educate people about it, try to change perspectives, etc.?
- Determine how you are going to measure the success of your project and create the necessary means to do so- forms for recording how many are impacted, how much material is distributed, etc.
- Record project detail-volunteer time spent on the project!
- Be sure to be aware of cultural sensitivities involved in the project - make sure the project is "open" to people of all backgrounds and is respectful of all people's beliefs.
- Make sure your project is friendly to families- that it includes opportunities for children and adults to work together, side by side!
- Build different "jobs" or "duties" into the project so that people with different interests and different time constraints can participate and be involved.
- Enlist the community to help- post volunteer opportunities in local newspapers, local community centers and with the local volunteer center.
There are easy ways to recruit people from the community to help you with your projects. Be sure to register every project you have planned for the year at www.seniorcorps.org and www.volunteermatch.org. Both of these websites draw thousands of volunteers every day who are looking for projects like yours to help out with!