Resources
Before getting into this program, take time to evaluate your program needs. Ask yourself how trained volunteers can benefit your foods and nutrition programming. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Getting Started
- Decide if you want to get involved and are willing to shift some of your responsibilities
- Gain support from your office
- Have the FCS Program Development Council help you determine the need for the program. Gain their support and document their ideas.
- Ask current MFV agents about their program
- Use the Master Volunteer Resource Guide to help you work through the process of establishing a volunteer program
Set Training Schedule
- Plan for 40 hours of training
- Typical training period is 1 day a week for 8 weeks
- Decide what programs will be presented on each day
- Set due date for volunteer applications at least one month in advance
Process Applications
- Send out applications to potential volunteers
- Collect applications by due date
- Select a committee to review the applications
- Call the individuals selected for the training
- Write a letter to the individuals not selected
- Send written notice of the training schedule dates, location, etc. to new volunteers
Training Costs
- MFV Handbook
- Training demonstration supplies
- Pocket thermometers
- MFV aprons
- MFV nametags
- Reference books
- Refreshments
- Postage
- Printing
Volunteer Forms
- Consent and Release form
- Volunteer In Kind Contributions
- Activity Record - Individual
- Telephone contact Record
- Volunteer Service Impact Log
- Master Volunteer Contact Summary
- Memorandum of Agreement
- Certificate
Training Evaluation
- Pre-test
- Weekly Evaluation forms
- Post-test
- Summary
After Training Organization
- Regular planning meetings
- Operational funding
- Record activities
- Note volunteer time - estimated valuation in 2014 was $21.64 per hour volunteer service in Kansas. The national estimate is $23.07 in 2014.
Ideas for Future Development
- Plan Advanced Training programs for current volunteers
- Plan for new MFV recruitment and training
