Continuous Learning Tools

Continuous Learning Tools allow Allies to reflect, think critically and develop both personally and professionally.

Public Allies believes that leaders must be willing to:◦challenge their assumptions and beliefs◦learn their strengths and shortcomings◦take responsible risks◦listen well to feedback◦reflect on experience◦commit to continued growth◦allow for others' learning journeys

360 Evaluations 3 Way Meetings IDP (Individual Development Plans) Coaching TSP (Team Service Projects) POL (Presentations of Learning) Portfolios Critical Reflection PISD

360 Evaluations

360° Feedback provides feedback data from multiple points of reference: self, peers, supervisors, and program managers.

The entire 360° process takes about three weeks.

The 360° Feedback instrument is completed twice during the

program year, in the fourth and ninth month of the program.

Allies rate themselves and receive feedback from their

Partner Organization Supervisors and Program Managers.

Each Ally then reviews the full set of results with their

Program Manager, identifies areas of strength and challenge

and creates an action plan based on what they've learned

about themselves.

The 360° is not a formal performance review

This process is not connected to any HR function – for example, it is not a part of the grievance procedures

The360° feedback process is not a way to avoid providing constructive one-on-one to an individual

3 Way Meetings

3 way meetings bring the Ally, PO

Supervisor, and Program Manager together

to discuss the Ally’s progress and learning

at placement.

Each ally will attend at least two 3 way

meetings throughout the year.

Individual Development Plans

(IDPs)

In one-on-one meetings with a program manager every month, the Allies will:◦ check-in on the progress toward their

placement and team service project goals

◦ make connections between the Training & Learning program and the work at the placement

◦ identify challenges to that progress

◦ talk through individual successes

The IDPs are developed through Coaching

Coaching

Coaching enables the coachee to continuously learn about themselves and to grow from that learning.

Coaching takes place in one-on-one meetings with Program Manager about once a month

Coaching is not:◦ An Informal Chat◦ Mentoring◦ Babysitting◦ A Therapy Session◦ A Performance Review

Team Service Projects(TSP)

Through TSPs Allies create, implement, and evaluate a service project as a team- in communities, and in partnership with other community groups, leaders and organizations.

TSPs allow the Allies to practice skills that they bring to Public Allies, or that they have acquired while in the program.

Team Service Projects begin early in the program year. Allies are divided into teams, and begin working on their projects in the third or fourth month of the program. Each TSP is driven by the Allies and coached by the program staff.

Presentations of Learning(POL)

POLs are public presentations based on Ally’s reflections of lessons learned and strides made toward reaching Ally outcomes during their ten-month experience with Public Allies.

Allies will engage in self-appraisal of their activities, goals and performance over the past ten months.

Allies will present evidence of learning before a panel comprised of Public Allies staff and Public Allies Alliance members.

These presentations will likely take place some time in July.

Portfolios

The Professional Portfolio is a collection in progress.

Its is a place where allies store those things related to their training, work experience, contributions, and special accomplishments.

It is the place to document all work-related talents and accomplishments so that allies have a good sense of their 'assets.'

Critical Reflection

Critical reflection is a process that encourages introspection around service, the quality of that service, and the learning that takes place as a result of that service.

◦ Journaling◦ Discussion Groups◦ Storytelling ◦ Facilitation◦ Artistic Expression◦ Problem Solving

◦ Predictions/Forecasting

◦ Providing Constructive Feedback

◦ Case Studies

Examples of Critical Reflection techniques:

Person Impact Service Documentation

(PISD)

The Personal Impact and Service Documentation (PISD) is the main vehicle for collecting and tracking Allies’ work in the community.

PISD provides a complete picture of Public Allies’ work in their community.

PISD information is also shared with our Partner Organizations and is used in reporting to funders (such as AmeriCorps)

All of this reporting is done online through the Public Allies intranet.

Ally Timesheet - ensures that the Ally accrues the necessary number of training and service hours required for graduation and their AmeriCorps education award.

Community Activities & Impact – documents the Allies’ work and impact in the community

Communication Vehicle – enables Ally to communicate support needs to their Partner Organization supervisor or Program Manager to accomplish his/her personal and professional goals.