Giving Feedback to Project Vote Smart FAQ
(To give feedback about individuals, please see Evaluations instead)
Where do I start?
If you have feedback, the best way to make change is to suggest an actionable solution.
First, make sure you understand Project Vote Smart's Mission and Key Programs
Here's some Ideas for Ideas:
Review ideas in progress for inspiration and collaboration potential:
These files are located in: public/cross-department projects/possible future projects
Keep in mind: the best ideas are those that we can reasonably expect to pay for themselves in time, staff, or direct costs. Then it's almost a no-brainer.
Who do I contact if I have an idea or want to make a change?
While not necessarily required, it is typically best to follow the chain of command in accordance with Project Vote Smart's Organizational Structure; your supervisor can advise you if the decision is not within their scope of authority and help you move it along. At present, anything requiring an additional allocation of money or staff/intern resources or an exception to policy must be approved by the President or National Director. A board decision may be required if one or more of the following criteria is met:
- policy change
- substantial change in procedure
- elimination of a program
- something that will require a budget allocation of greater than $5,000
The introduction of ideas to the board may also be delayed due to prioritization, in the event that there are multiple new large/high-cost projects or programs on the table with merit. There is a limit to how many ideas it makes sense to propose, as there are only so many we can feasibly implement or afford to implement at once.
How do I get my idea off the ground?
- Start early! Typically, ideas will need some development and you will want to solicit and incorporate feedback from your supervisor(s) well before any deadline. The time we will be most likely to take on new, large projects is right after a Congressional election. If your idea requires board approval, note that board meetings happen on a quarterly basis.
- Solicit feedback from your supervisor and others! The time to do this is when your idea is just a seed. There is no need to write up a proposal for an idea until you do this. It could even be that this idea was already-approved previously, or that a proposal is not necessary.
- If it is an idea that requires board approval, or your supervisor recommends it, flesh out your idea in written form (note that your supervisor can provide guidance here; try to keep it as short and to the point as possible). Some key components of a proposal for a new program would include:
- define the problem you are trying to solve and why it's important to address (statistics help)
- define the scope of your proposed solution
- detail the deliverables
- define why this is the best solution to the problem, providing appropriate justification (this may include: survey data, a test done by Project Vote Smart, a cost comparison, a report on best practices from a reputable source)
- estimate the cost of human resources, supplies, and services needed
- develop a rough timeline and outline of processes to achieve your goal; incorporate a testing phase, if possible
- Solicit more feedback!
- Champion your idea!
- Be sure to save your research, notes, and proposals in public/cross-department projects/possible future projects so others may help develop it now and in the future
My idea was approved, now what?
see: Project Management
CategoryAllStaffandInterns
