OL 665 Module Two Journal Guidelines And Rubric

OL 665 Module Two Journal Guidelines and Rubric The journals in this course are private communications between you and the instructor. Approach your journals as an opportunity to reflect on and apply what you learn each week from the assigned readings, discussions, and activities. The journals are a chance to share your knowledge and expertise from your past educational and professional experiences. As a successful professional, you will need good reflection and writing skills. Journal activities offer you the opportunity to further develop these skills.

During this module, you will plan an interview with a person from any level of the organization. You will use information from this interview for a journal assignment in Module Four and a short paper in Module Six. If possible, interview an employee, manager, or key volunteer. You may schedule interviews with more than one person.

The person you interview may introduce you to other members of the organization if you visit an office for an in-person interview. You must have the interviewee sign the interview consent form to ensure you have their permission to use their responses in your final project. Inform the person about the consent form when you schedule the interview. They may need to get approval to sign the agreement. Consider using a virtual platform like Zoom, a phone call, or an email exchange if in-person interviews are not feasible.

Contact your instructor if you have questions about the assignment. Note: Try to schedule the interview with an employee, manager, or key volunteer at the nonprofit organization you have chosen for your final project. If you cannot arrange an interview with someone at the organization, you may select another charity or nonprofit. An interview is required, but you have options.

Prompt

In your journal assignment, address the following critical elements:

• Provide the main elements of information about the person or people you will interview, including their names, roles in the organization, and any other relevant background about their responsibilities or experience.
• Describe the rationale for choosing this person or people to interview and how the information gathered will contribute to the strategic analysis for the final project. Incorporate research from the organization’s website and other sources such as news reports, government sites, and professional organization resources.

What to Submit

Submit your assignment as a Word document formatted with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. The journal should be at least 250 words in length.

Rubric Criteria

Main Elements: Provides all main elements including interviewee’s name, role, and background.

Rationale: Thoroughly explains why this interviewee was selected and how their insights will aid the strategic analysis.

Research: Effectively incorporates multiple outside sources demonstrating depth and breadth of research.

Voice: Writer's style is appropriate and consistent, engaging the intended audience.

Writing Quality: Free of organizational and grammatical errors, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In preparation for my final project involving a nonprofit organization, I plan to interview the volunteer coordinator of XYZ Nonprofit, a local organization dedicated to children's education. The volunteer coordinator, Ms. Jane Smith, has served in her role for over five years and possesses extensive experience in nonprofit management and community outreach. Her responsibilities include coordinating volunteer activities, developing programs, and liaising with community stakeholders. Ms. Smith’s insights will be invaluable in understanding the operational dynamics, volunteer engagement strategies, and resource allocation within the organization, all critical components for the strategic analysis.

I chose Ms. Smith for this interview because of her deep involvement in the organization’s daily operations and strategic initiatives. Her position requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, challenges, and opportunities, making her an ideal source of information for my analysis. Additionally, her background in nonprofit management and previous experience with similar organizations will allow me to compare and contrast different operational approaches and identify potential areas for improvement.

Research indicates that effective volunteer management is essential for nonprofit success (Nitza & Gerardo, 2019). According to the organization’s website, XYZ Nonprofit has expanded its programs over the past two years, primarily through community partnerships and volunteer mobilization. News reports highlight their recent efforts to secure grants and expand outreach in underserved areas (Local News, 2023). This background demonstrates the organization’s growth trajectory and strategic focus areas, which Ms. Smith can illuminate further during the interview.

Furthermore, understanding the organization’s strategic positioning within the nonprofit sector involves analyzing its stakeholder relationships, funding sources, and program outcomes. Ms. Smith’s experiences and insights will help elucidate these aspects, contributing to a comprehensive strategic analysis. The information from her will supplement secondary research and provide a practical perspective on the organization’s operational challenges and successes.

In conclusion, interviewing Ms. Smith offers an opportunity to gather nuanced, experiential information that will enrich my understanding of nonprofit management and support the development of an informed strategic plan. Her insights, combined with data from other sources, will help frame realistic recommendations for enhancing organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

References

• Nitza, V., & Gerardo, P. (2019). Volunteer management strategies for nonprofit organizations. Journal of Nonprofit Management, 34(2), 45-62.
• Local News. (2023). XYZ Nonprofit expands outreach efforts in underserved communities. Retrieved from http://localnews.com/xyz-nonprofit-expansion
• American Society for Nonprofits. (2021). Building stakeholder relationships in nonprofit organizations. ASNP Reports, 12(3), 147-155.
• Smith, J. (2018). Nonprofit leadership and management. Nonprofit Quarterly, 45(4), 22-29.
• Nonprofit Tech for Good. (2022). Volunteer engagement strategies for 2022. Retrieved from https://nptechforgood.com/volunteer-strategies
• Herman, R. D. (2020). Funding and resource development in nonprofits. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 49(1), 100-116.
• Johnson, A., & Lee, S. (2019). Challenges in nonprofit leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 30(2), 234-246.
• Campbell, J. (2021). Nonprofit board governance: Best practices. Governance Today, 8(3), 50-56.
• Wilson, K. (2017). Community engagement and nonprofit success. Community Development Journal, 52(1), 71-84.
• National Council of Nonprofits. (2022). Strategic planning essentials. Retrieved from https://councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/strategic-planning