Local Connections
Oduwa Global will make local connections in Africa through various strategies and initiatives:
• Community Engagement: Oduwa Global will actively engage with local communities to understand their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations. By involving community members in the planning and implementation of programs, Oduwa Global will build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure that initiatives are culturally relevant and sustainable.
• Partnerships with Local Organizations: Oduwa Global will establish partnerships with local non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community leaders, and government agencies. These partnerships will allow for a deeper understanding of the local context, access to resources, and shared expertise. By collaborating with established local entities, Oduwa Global can maximize its impact and create lasting change.
• Hiring Local Staff: Oduwa Global will prioritize hiring local staff members who have a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dynamics of the communities they serve. Local staff members will act as liaisons between Oduwa Global and the community, ensuring effective communication, building relationships, and fostering local ownership of initiatives.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Oduwa Global will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for local traditions, values, and customs. They will work closely with community members to incorporate their perspectives, ensuring that programs are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the community. This approach will foster a sense of ownership and active participation from the local population.
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Oduwa Global will engage in knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives to empower local individuals and organizations. By sharing best practices, providing training opportunities, and supporting local initiatives, Oduwa Global will contribute to the development of local expertise and resources, creating a sustainable ecosystem of support and collaboration.Through these strategies, Oduwa Global will establish strong local connections, working hand in hand with the communities they serve to create positive and lasting change.
Volunteer Recruitment and Strategy
No nonprofit can thrive and become sustainable without the effective recruitment and support of volunteers. Volunteers will make up the backbone of Oduwa Global operations. Besides contributing the skills needed, it is important for volunteers to have core values that are aligned with the organization and can provide mentorship, guidance, and support to underserved and
underrepresented populations. Oduwa Global will implement the following volunteer plan:
• Volunteer Plan: The successful involvement of volunteers will both help meet staffing needs and provide opportunities for community members to be more engaged with
Oduwa Global.
• Volunteer Needs: All staff will be engaged to identify work areas that will benefit from volunteers, and a volunteer program will be developed. Potential volunteer positions include Coordinators, Admin support, Outreach, Mentorship, and Events support.
• Model: Oduwa Global will employ a model that involves both episodic and recurring volunteers. Recurring volunteers are those who provide regular, ongoing support, or who lead and plan for the involvement of others. They are given significant authority and responsibility. Episodic volunteers are those who sign up to participate for a short period, for a specific event or activity, and work under the supervision of staff or a recurring volunteer.
• Volunteer Recruitment: It will be the responsibility of the founder to position Oduwa Global as a premier place to volunteer. This positioning will be crucial to recruiting competent, committed individuals. It requires that every volunteer be treated as the asset they are, acknowledged regularly, and provided with special perks. The founder will undertake a variety of recruitment strategies to fill volunteer positions. These strategies
include:
o Advertising in free and low-cost print and digital media, including Oduwa Global’s website and social media pages,
o Posting in online forums,
o Meeting with constituents to recruit their involvement and request their assistance in identifying other prospective volunteers, and
o Interviewing prospective volunteers to ensure a good fit with the position.
• Volunteer Management: Volunteer policies will be completed, and all volunteers will be provided with a copy upon beginning their work with Oduwa Global. The founder will supervise the volunteers and apply the policies consistently. Volunteers will be required to sign in and out each time they volunteer and will receive a formal appraisal of their work at least once annually.
• Volunteer Retention: Keeping good volunteers is a priority of Oduwa Global. The following strategies will be employed to increase volunteer retention rates.
o The founder and the Board of Directors will verbally thank volunteers at least once each time they volunteer.
o Written notes of appreciation, including accomplishments made possible by the volunteer’s help, will be sent following any significant event or hallmark (such as a year of volunteerism completed).
o Appreciations will be included in Oduwa Global’s website and social media
pages.
o A special annual volunteer appreciation event will be held annually, providing recognition for the work of volunteers and an opportunity to socialize outside of the usual work times.
