Stakeholders Influences on Programs

Stakeholder Influences on Programs

Gilbert Rodriguez

Program Planning and Grant Proposal Writing in Human Services

August 21, 2015

Professor Ruth Hendrick

Stakeholder Influences on Programs

A stakeholder is a person, group or organization that has interest, or concern about another organization ("Business Dictionary", n.d.). Within Human Services, there are multiple elements of detail that must be reviewed for variables that shouldn't be overlooked. There are multiple expectations from different stakeholders that must be entertained by organization staff and or participants who are involved with the agencies programs. Recapping a program that I've planned for the PEACE agency and the influences a stakeholder can have on the program will be discussed, following different elements stakeholders may input into an organization.

 When an organization's stakeholders have been identified, plans based on their needs and expectations can begin. Stakeholders will have concerns that are expected to be met promptly. The importance of each stakeholder to the business determines the degree to which the business attempts to accommodate the stakeholder in the course of planning its actions ("Small Business Chronicle", n.d.). Some assume the term "stakeholder" is an individual whom assists the organization financially and has granted funding that makes the program possible. Although, this is true, there are multiple elements that fall in place with the assistance of a stakeholder. A stakeholder could be anyone from a staff member to anyone in the community who could be summoned for their evaluation services for the program.

The program that I would implement into PEACE would be a positive impact for clients to improve from, working together to meet the main goal, which will lead to the program's success. Currently, the needs of the clients who seek services from PEACE aren't able to express themselves within a secure environment. Adding a feature service to address this shortfall will add success to the organization and the clients that walk through the doors. With this program adding an individualized circle group as well as a group circle group will enhance the ability to speak with individuals whom can assist clients in overcoming their traumatic experiences. This will also encourage more clients to gain strength within themselves in their situations. The service would be called Circle Groups and would be a service outlet for clients. Clients would have two options to choose from; they could sit in an individual circle group and invite only whom they would like to attend, or sit in the agency group with other clients who are receiving similar services. Encouraging clients to feel comfortable with them and feel empowered as an individual causes positive behaviors within the clients within the program. They might have their doubts that the program will work because the violence rates are so high and so many people have failed to help fully them. A person who has been a victim might be inclined to move on but become the victim again. A person hurting others may be inclined to feel there is no need for them to get help. The way these aspects can affect the program planning and program evaluation are because they are obstacles that would prevent the program from becoming successful and promoting a better outcome for individuals and the community.

Agency staff are stakeholders, and as the staff of the organization, everything starts with them. Setting positive examples for the clients in the organization, working together on a team, being honest, and exhibiting the behaviors they'd like clients to experience.  As staff everyone should put in efforts to enhance the program, client and personal success. Observations and high rated evaluations must be constantly performed performed to stay in compliance with possible audits or reviews. It is important always to be prepared. The highly rated evaluations should keep all elements of the program in compliance so that the program is on the right track. Therefore, staff members must always know what they are doing and where their program is going without a shadow of a doubt. Family is often going to be the participant's most valuable source of support outside of the program.

After researching multiple organizations to partner up with for additional funding for the program I've planned, I came across an organization that specializes in group counseling settings. The American Psychological Association (found at http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/group-therapy.aspx) has a funding program called "The Visionary Grant." This grant promotes innovation through supporting research, education, and intervention projects and programs. The well-being of the victims of domestic violence and strives to improve the lives of these individuals, and their families, who have had issues with coming to term with their individual needs. They have, of course, some expectations for our program and staff to ensure that these needs are catered to in the most appropriate, effective manner possible. The program must be with a 501(c)(3) agency (excluding programs not a 501(c)(3), programs using funds to provide political, entertainment, and fundraising expenses, workshop expenses, and localized direct service), demonstrate competence and capacity to manage proposed work. Approval must be received if proposed work involves human individuals. As long as we continue to show our dedication to the program, The Visionary Grant will provide the funding needed for the support of the circle groups program.