The Challenges of Writing an Effective Orientation Plan for a Non-profit Organization

Abstract

Helping 2nd Hands (H2H) is a Non-profit organization (NPO) that does not have an effective orientation plan or continuous training plan for new volunteers. New volunteers are not always sure what to do. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide H2H with an effective orientation and training plan. A needs analysis was performed using a 12 question survey was administered to those volunteers, who were at least 18 years of age. This allowed the voices of the volunteers to be studied. Furthermore, the results indicated that an orientation plan was in effect, but it lacked follow up and some training needs were discovered. The study was limited to just the responses from H2H volunteers. Consequently, the conclusions were based on the volunteers who were present when the survey was administered. A set of recommendations for a new orientation/training plan was submitted to the leadership. The recommendations were designed to reduce confusion of volunteers and thus retain more of the volunteers. As a result, H2H is preparing to update their orientation and training plans and will revise them anytime new leadership joins the organization.