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Taking on a new program, working with a different group of children and youth, or recruiting new staff and volunteers are, in the end, about coping with change and transition. Most of us tend to naturally resist change. It is easier to remain who we have always been. The program planning processes outlined in Parts 1 and 2 of this workbook should help identify the kinds of changes that you are likely to encounter as you take on a new program.
Further, though this is more the issue of Parts 3 and 4, building deeper partnerships or even mergers also, in the end, involves coping with change and transition.
Transitions are not easy for people. Current volunteers, staff, and Board members may need a process for going through these transitions. These need to be designed for your situation, but almost all transition processes have some natural steps.
- Communicate often the changes that are being made, and why
- Help people identify what they are afraid of losing, and what it is important to preserve into the future
- Give people time to make the shifts
- Make sure people know that during the change process, everyone might be uncomfortable with the uncertainties and the unknowns
- Involve people in planning for and implementing the change
- Make sure that there are change champions.
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