Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Project Planning
Where to begin
Before you ever start to plan a project it is important to establish some very important facts:
What does the organization want?
What is to be accomplished? (This is your Action Plan.)
What are realistic expectations? (Turnout, results, feedback.)
Brainstorm
Once you have decided upon your course of action your coalition or committee should brainstorm together as a group with someone designated to record the ideas. Do not cast judgment on ideas at this time and don’t stop to discuss these ideas. Let your members be creative; you don’t have to do what everybody else has done in the past. Once you have a list, examine them in light of practicality, appeal, group size and time for organization and decide which one to pursue.
Plan
Now is the time to get specific.
Decide on a time and date for the event. Check for conflicts.
Decide on a theme that will carry through the whole program.
Find a place to hold the event. Keep the size of your group in mind.
Set a budget and stick to it as closely as possible.
List all items that you need to secure. Don’t overlook small items.
Make a list of all tasks that must be done before, during and after the event.
Set a general timetable for having the various tasks completed.
Expect the unexpected. Plan for the “what ifs?”
Recruit
With all the tasks down on paper and a timetable for completion you should now decide who will do what.
First identify your leaders. Who has the necessary skills and talents but may not step forward? Make these people feel like the project is theirs and often they’ll get so excited they’ll see it to the end.
Find the followers. It takes all kinds of people to pull an event together. Utilize volunteers to accomplish specific tasks.
Teach others to organize and motivate. The more effectively people are trained, the easier it will be to plan events.
Delegate
Don’t run the risk of trying to do too much yourself. Decide on a reasonable division of work and then follow up on others to make sure the deadlines are being met. A sign-up sheet is handy here. Use positive reinforcement.
Promote
Publicity is a key factor in the success of any event. Get the word out early and often. This helps to generate interest and may even result in new volunteers.
Resources
Make use of those who have experience in the areas of leadership training and programming for ideas and assistance. What type of equipment do you have available to you and how do you reserve it for your event?
Guidelines
Because there are many people and areas involved in planning a program, it is important to be up on policies and procedures. Make sure you are allowed to do what you want.
The event
Well it’s here. If everything has been done as planned there will be no problems. Do, however, be mindful to put others at ease. Be aware of what is happening around you -- introduce people, get them to participate and have fun yourself.
Evaluate
All coalition activities should have measurable goals that can be evaluated. Have you changed attitudes? Increased attendance/participation? Raised awareness? Met the needs of your targeted audience? Take time after every event to review what went right and what went wrong and use this information for other activities.
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Official Site of Operation UNITE
2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6179 ● Toll Free 1-866-OP-UNITE ● Fax 606-677-6166
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
