Journalling

The Volunteer Leadership Training Program in Olds, Alberta, is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, The Wildrose Foundation and Olds College. The participants are asked to journal their experiences. Journalling, I believe,could be a valuable tool for supervisors. The following Journal questions may be valid:

• What did you do today?
• What was the purpose of your task?
• Was your objective met?
• What worked well?
• What could be changed?
• Whom did you assist?
• Whom did you report to?
• What tools, supplies, etc. do/did you need?
• Was the time adequate for the task? If not, why not?
• Where your tools, supplies, etc. adequate?
• What learning/observations did you have?
• What were the benefits from this activity?
• Did you gain any new skills? If so, what were they?
• Was training adequate for the position/activity?
• Would you recommend this activity again?

Asking volunteers to do reflective journalling could identify important needs for the agency, client, and volunteer:

• Is the volunteer contract being fulfilled?
• Is the training adequate or is more/less required?
• What tools/supplies are needed for the task?
• Are the volunteer's needs being met?
• Are the agency's needs being met?
• Are the client's needs being met?
• What could we (client, agency, and volunteer) do better?