Organization Structure

Mike W. commented on the blogs of group 1 and group 6

 

Organizational Structure

Amanda Evans, Andjulon Richardson, Michael Rivera, Michael Watkins

Ball State University

Amanda researched and wrote the section on the structure of our program, Andjulon researched and designed the table on structures of the volunteering organizations. Mike Watkins researched and wrote the section on structures of other organizations. Michael Rivera researched and edited the final draft.

Structures of the other Organizations

For our project we chose to base our organization off of different aspects of the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. We chose these two organizations as they have a wide base of volunteer and have a vast array of resources they use to recruit and retain volunteers. Listed below are some of the different elements they incorporate that we chose to apply to our volunteer organization.

·         Method of funding: both the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are funded primarily through donations, volunteer labor, and various grants. These organizations rely heavily on volunteers to operate, thus volunteer retention is essential to maintaining programs.

·         Volunteer Recruitment: Both organizations provide potential volunteers with a variety of means to participate. The Red Cross allows people to sign up online and has a smart phone app to encourage participation. They have a wide range of opportunities to fit almost any volunteer. Habitat makes use of local field offices allowing recruiting from the community along with opportunities on the national level.

·         Expectations of recipients: habitat for humanity requires that recipients of their services participate in the volunteering, known as sweat equity. Recipients work on both their home and assist in building others. They also receive education on owning a home

·         Board of Directors:  Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors consists of 21 members from all over the world. Individuals include business and education professionals, along with clergy and government officials. The Red Cross uses a board of governors ranging from 12-20 members who oversee the organization on a national level.

·         Staff Organization: Habitat for humanity utilizes over 1,500 affiliates in the United States that coordinate all of the building efforts for that area and carry out Habitat’s international mission of Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope (Habitat for Humanity, 2013) . Each local office has an administrative staff that coordinates volunteer efforts. The Red Cross utilizes local field offices where administrative staff coordinates local volunteer efforts.

·         Primary objective: Habitat for Humanity’s primary objective is to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. The Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Structure of Our Program

            Our program will be designed to offer assistance to those in need via home building or home restoration (in order to have homes that meet codes.)  Food assistance is also provided.  This program accepts participants on an application basis.  The application can be obtained via our website or in person and requires the applicant answer questions and provide documentation regarding need and financial situations. 

            The program has a few paid administrative staff that works to facilitate the gathering of applications, answer questions, and man a small office.   There are also paid committee members that work to keep the program funded, retain volunteers, and promote community awareness. A board, of seven, reviews the applications and vote on which to accept and act on. 

            This program operates on donations of time and goods.  The community is very involved in this program as it is a community program helping its own members.  People can pledge donations of money, time or items online.  The program picks up any donation of goods. 

            Opportunities to volunteer can be accessed via the website, a phone application, or by calling.  Notifications of opportunities are displayed around the community, as well as on the website.  The opportunities are divided in to short-term and long-term investments.  This allows volunteers, as well as staff, to know what kind of time investment they are looking at.  Prior to a volunteer’s first experience volunteering, the retention committee provides volunteers with an orientation.  This, again, allows for volunteers to be properly prepared for the experience and know how their role is impacting the mission of the program. 

            All volunteer information is kept on the website.  This allows for the volunteers to access volunteer transcripts whenever needed.  Volunteers are also recognized for service through small tokens of appreciation.  The organized, business approach makes volunteers feel like they are working with a professional program and are prepared for the work they will do.  This is motivation for them to continue to volunteer

The Structure of Habitat for Humanity http://www.habitat.org/	The Structure of The Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/	The Elements Adapted in Our Virtual Organization
1. Volunteer labor and donations are the main ways in which homes are funded	1. Blood and monetary donations are the primary ways in which services are funded	1. Donation of goods and volunteer labor will be the primary way of funding.
2. Volunteers have the ability to sign up for local volunteering opportunities via website	2. Volunteers have the ability to sign up for volunteering opportunities via website.	2. Volunteers will have the ability to sign up for volunteering opportunities via website. Our group will also have community outreach initiatives that will seek to recruit volunteers at various events.
3. Prospective homeowners are required to invest time into the development of their soon to be home.	3. Those in need are not required to invest time or money for services. There only needs to be a signification of need.	3. Those in need will not be required to devote labor or time for resources, however each person will need to demonstrate their level of need. This will most likely take the form of an application process.
4. An international board of directors controls and manages organization.	4. The Board of Governors oversees and operates the organization, with varying committees that have specific focuses.	4. There will be a seven member board of directors, as well as individual committees. These committees will serve varying purposes, such as retention, finance, and community outreach.
5. Organization employs administrative staff, as well as professional and support employees to help operate organization.	5. Organization employs administrative and professionals to supplement volunteering efforts.	5. There will be limited full-time staff that will handle administrative tasks. However, majority of labor will come from volunteering. Members of the board and committees will be paid employees.
6. Primary objective is to provide needy families with safe and affordable housing.	6. Primary objectives include disaster relief, supporting military families, lifesaving blood, health and safety services, as well as international services.	6. The primary objective will be to help those in need with basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and water.