Evaluating the volunteer experience is an important aspect of public health social work practice because of frequent use of volunteers for delivering services. The school-based SOS teen pregnancy prevention through abstinence program was used as a means of exploring this area. The program includes a teen SOS Club which recruits and trains high school peer mentors to deliver a classroom abstinence curriculum to younger students. The curriculum focuses on knowledge and life skills, e.g. communication and peer and social pressure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 10th-12th grade peer mentors with one year experience (1999-2000). Items explored included general experiences, motivation, curriculum, and impact on personal lifestyle. The majority indicated enjoyable aspects were opportunities to share ideas and beliefs and personal satisfaction. About half stated that peer mentoring had pleased their families but increased pressure to be good role models. It was unanimous that they would encourage others to participate. Most indicated that there was a positive impact on their own life. A dissatisfaction with the curriculum was revealed, an important insight resulting in rigorous revision of program implementation. Startling was the finding that some mentors did not have clear expectations when recruited and were uncomfortable talking about sex in the classroom, which finding resulting in better recruitment and training practices. The opportunity for peer mentor self-evaluation was valuable in that it allowed for review of the general experience and identification of areas of personal improvement. This process is recommended for any ongoing program that uses volunteers to deliver services.
Learning Objectives: Review the importance of qualitative evaluation for volunteer programs. Identify the method used to develop and analyze qualitative assessment. Apply qualitative evaluation to the improvement of program methods and curriculum.
Keywords: Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Curricula
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.