chapter 8 Program Goals and Objectives Russell & Jamieson

Program Rationale A programming purpose is specific to the reason the organization was established. Needs change and vary. (continued)

Program Rationale (continued) What is the reason for the program? Goals and objectives help us answer this question. Reasons must reflect organizational mission and community needs.

Professional Philosophies Recreation program goals mirror professional philosophies. National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies Philosophies establish the customer as the starting point. Recreation professionals are providing a “human service.”

Mission Statement A mission statement is a summary of the organization’s purpose. Bylaws Legislation Long-range planning (continued)

Mission Statement (continued) Prepared goals and objectives match the organization’s mission statement. The programmer must maintain focus while preparing programs.

Other Values Programmers are also influenced by laws, risk management, research findings, and knowledge gained. Education is a career-long undertaking!

Formulating Goals Program goals are abstract, idealized statements of desired outcomes. Goals carry forward the statement of purpose contained in the mission.

Selecting and Crafting Goals Practicality Are goals appropriate and feasible? Relative importance What is vital toward the fulfillment of the mission? Incompatibilities Goals in conflict must be negotiated and resolved.

Recipe for Writing Goals Review the mission. Review needs. Review resources. Brainstorm all possible goals. Determine the appropriateness of each brainstormed goal. Develop first-draft goal statements. Analyze drafts with staff and client input. Revise and finalize goal statements.

Program Objectives Program objectives are measurement points for goals. There are three types of objectives: Implementation objectives New services, staff assignments Outcome objectives What organization desires for participants or the community Behavioral objectives Specific actions clients will perform

Standards Standards are approved guidelines of practice. “There shall be written and specific objectives established for each program or service” (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, 2003).

Writing Program Objectives Specificity Measurability Criteria Delineated constituency