How do you create SMART objectives and indicators for your volunteer program plan?

1 What is SMART?

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, a tool which helps create clear and realistic objectives and indicators for a volunteer program plan. Objectives are statements that describe the desired outcome of the program while indicators measure how well these objectives are being achieved. By using the SMART criteria, you can ensure that your objectives and indicators are specific, with quantifiable or observable indicators to track progress and results; achievable within your resources and constraints; relevant to your mission, vision, values and stakeholders' needs; and time-bound with a deadline or timeframe for completion or review.

2 How to create SMART objectives

To create SMART objectives for your volunteer program plan, you need to start with your overall goal or purpose. Consider the impact or change you want to create with your volunteers, then break down your goal into smaller, more specific objectives. For each objective, ask yourself what you want to achieve, how you will measure success, if it is realistic and attainable, how it relates to your goal and stakeholders, and when you want to achieve it. For instance, if your goal is to increase the awareness and engagement of your community on environmental issues, one of your objectives could be to recruit and train 50 volunteers to deliver environmental education workshops in 10 local schools by June 2021. This objective is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

3 How to create SMART indicators

To create SMART indicators for your volunteer program plan, you need to identify the data or information that will show how well you are achieving your objectives. For each objective, ask yourself what the key results or outcomes are that you expect, how you will collect and analyze the data or information, how you will report and communicate the results or outcomes, and how you will use the results or outcomes to improve your volunteer program. For example, if your objective is to recruit and train 50 volunteers to deliver environmental education workshops in 10 local schools by June 2021, some of the indicators could be the number of volunteers recruited and trained, the number of workshops delivered and schools reached, feedback from volunteers, schools, and participants, as well as changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the participants. These indicators should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

4 How to use SMART objectives and indicators

To create a volunteer program plan that is focused, effective, and accountable, you should use SMART objectives and indicators. Write them down in a clear and concise way and share them with your team, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders to get their feedback. Incorporate them into the plan and budget, monitoring and evaluating them regularly to adjust as needed. Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges. This will help you communicate your value and impact to volunteers, partners, donors, and beneficiaries. You can also identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve performance and quality.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?