Community Resource Research Project

Project Overview

The Community Resource Research Project helps The Little Wind Phone Project identify new opportunities to expand its impact. Students will conduct research to locate potential Wind Phone installation sites, community partners, grief support organizations, sponsorship opportunities, or grant funding sources.

The information gathered by volunteers directly supports the organization's outreach and growth efforts.

Responsibilities

Volunteer will:

• Research assigned topics using reliable online sources.
• Identify organizations, businesses, parks, schools, faith communities, or agencies that may align with the mission of The Little Wind Phone Project.
• Gather contact information and background information.
• Evaluate how each resource may support Wind Phone installations or grief support initiatives.
• Organize findings using a provided template.

Potential Research Topics

• Parks and public spaces suitable for Wind Phone installations
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals and hospice organizations
• Grief support organizations
• Community foundations
• Corporate sponsorship opportunities
• Grant opportunities
• Mental health organizations
• Veteran support organizations
• Senior living communities

Deliverables

Volunteers must submit:

• A completed research template.
• Information on at least 10 relevant opportunities.
• Contact information when publicly available.
• A brief explanation of why each resource may be a good fit.

Skills Developed

• Research methods
• Information analysis
• Community engagement
• Data organization
• Written communication
• Critical thinking

SSL Credit

One completed research project meeting all requirements = 3 SSL Hours

To receive SSL credit, volunteers must:

• Be registered and approved by The Little Wind Phone Project before beginning work.
• Complete all assigned tasks independently.
• Submit projects by established deadlines.
• Meet quality standards and project requirements.
• Respond to feedback and make revisions if requested.
• Follow all organizational policies and guidelines.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

• A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

• Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

• Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

• The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

• Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

• Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

• Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.