The "Man In Black"

WHAT?
When i first started Extension I had to go to several trainings. I drove all over Virginia. There was this one training that I went to in Staunton that I always remember because it gave me the first eye opener at evaluation. It was the Extension Programming Institute and I was selected to be a Participant Observer. I had NO CLUE what that was and all I was told was to participate in discussions, observe, and record what you see.

SO WHAT?
In a way, I felt sinister...similar to the Man In Black on L O S T; taking another form and having a hidden agenda. At any rate, I recorded my observations and submitted and was reveled to the entire training as "one of them". It went over well with a few grumblings, but what I got out of it was how important it was. Valuable information came from my observations and the two others which were participant observers which was used to strengthen the training in the future. It showed me, how important doing evaluations are and why it serves a purpose towards the betterment of the organization.

NOW WHAT?
That happened long ago, but it still makes me think about how important it is to evaluate programs. While this was only one example of evaluation, I have experienced and conducted several others for the goal of strengthening the program that I have. A prime explanation of what evaluations are can be explained through the 4-H motto - To Make The Best Better.

UH-OH! How did that happen?!

WHAT?
(As told by Virginia Tech's Director of Risk Management, Fred Weaver). A Cloverbud club went to a farm to learn about horses, there were several volunteers, and snacks following the program. The kids were able to look into stalls to see and identify several different types of farm animals. The parents each had a few kids with each of them in order to be safe. The program was PERFECT. After the snacks the kids were getting antsy and the parents were cleaning up, so the farmer/owner agreed to take the kids out of the barn. There was a horse treadmill outside which the farmer let the kids get on. While they were walking on it (getting rid of the energy and having fun) one child tripped and her arm got pulled in by the conveyor belt...

SO WHAT?
It is imperative that as volunteer managers that we understand the importance of risk management ourselves and that we ensure that ALL of our volunteers understand the importance of risk management and are trained and are suitable for the role. Whether it is done in a face to face training or written policies, or both, this screening and training must to be covered. Everyone involved must be aware of the program and the risks that exists. Proactive preparation is an important measure to reduce the risks.

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NOW WHAT?
Being prepared for everything and having the perfect program is great, however, accidents occur. Preparing for them before they happen is key. All volunteers who have a direct contact with youth for a long term or a short term needs to have risk management training. Even the great ideas have flaws and volunteers need to be prepared to react to these flaws and nip it in the bud before they even occur. And as a volunteer manager, it ultimately begins with you and follows with constant communication.