An Orientation Process

THIS DOCUMENT WAS PRODUCED BY THE NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM.  IT IS POSTED BY THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES FOR PUBLIC
USE.  THE CENTER FOR RURAL STUDIES ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE CONTENTS.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO THE USERS GUIDE.


                     AN ORIENTATION PROCESS

This worksheet is designed to help plan a sequential training
timeline for new members so they can begin to function in the
organization as quickly and as productively as possible.  This
timeline will help one determine:

          þ    what it is people need to know to become active
               members of boards and committees

          þ    how they will learn what they need to know: the
               experiences one needs to provide new members

          þ    who will provide the training/orientation

          þ    when the new members will need to know/learn
               information

> Step 1: What information do people need to know, or what lack of
information will keep people from fully participating?

> Step 2: What is the best way to provide the information? (see
possible learning activities)

> Step 3:  Who should provide the information?

> Step 4:  When should the information be provided?


                            TIMELINE

          Month    Month    Month    Month    Month    Month
Activity    #1       #2       #3       #4       #5       #6    

1________________________________________________________________

2________________________________________________________________

3________________________________________________________________

4________________________________________________________________




          Month    Month    Month    Month    Month    Month
Activity    #7       #8       #9      #10      #11      #12       
     
1_________________________________________________________________

2_________________________________________________________________

3_________________________________________________________________

4_________________________________________________________________



> Orientation approaches
     þ    one-on-one discussions
     þ    training sessions/workshops
     þ    apprenticeships with older members
     þ    written materials
     þ    role plays
     þ    invite to social gatherings
     þ    watch the group at work

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98