Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

undertake each action, and set realistic timelines. This exercise will helpyour group set priorities. This is important because the success of acommunity program often depends on how thoroughly a workplan isdeveloped and followed.Funding and resourcesThink about the funding and resources you will need to establish yourprogram, and identify possible sources of assistance. There may be anumber of sources right in your community. Social organizations,municipal agencies, and local businesses may see a vital need for aCommunity Accountability Program and may be willing to provide fundingor in-kind assistance. Strive to keep your program as self-sufficient aspossible to ensure that it stays community-driven and that yourcommunity members feel they have ownership of an initiative thataddresses their needs.The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General recognizes thatprograms may require start-up funding (for initial research, development ofcommunication materials, volunteer outreach, etc.) as well as support forongoing operations. For more information on the financial assistanceavailable through the ministry, refer to page 49.VolunteersRECRUITMENTYour program will need dedicated volunteers who are trained to work withand support victims and offenders. Recruiting good volunteers is not aquick or simple process. It requires public promotion of your program andsufficient time for screening and training. Since cases will be dealt with atvarious times of the day, you will need as many volunteers as possible tocover each day’s schedule. Determine how many volunteers you need andthen allow for more, in case some of them find that they cannot commitmuch time to the program.When planning your recruitment efforts, consider the following:• How many volunteers are necessary to make the program function?• How can you ensure that the volunteers you recruit are representativeof the community?Getting Started 35