This checklist should be used on the planning and development of activities, programs and projects.
1. Create a sense of community and belonging
- Create group norms
- Welcome new members, and make sure their ideas and opinions are heard
- Watch out for clichés. Be inclusive.
- Have some focus on relationship development
- Have fun, and create shared experiences
2. Focus on developing leaders and leadership skills
- Do peer-to-peer recruitment
- Make it clear what participants are going to get out of their involvement
- Keep alumni engaged. Have them act as mentors, or organize events or projects
- Develop a framework of support to enable youth to achieve success
- Plan for frequent turn-over as students graduate
3. See increased knowledge as a main objective
- Utilize the expertise that exists in a university setting
- Beware of jargon and appearing closed-minded. Newcomers need to feel like they can be a part of something and have something to offer.
- Attract students by offering skill and capacity building
- Make participation accessible (cost, time, location, services provided, etc)
Evaluate everything! Engage everyone who is a part of your programming, and learn from their feedback. These evaluations need not always be formal!