Prior to improving volunteer services, a leisure agency should have a realistic expectation of the desired accomplishments, both in individual and organizational terms. A systems approach to volunteer management is discussed that includes the components of planning and coordination; recruitment and orientation; training and placement; and…

As new types of volunteers come into the field--working people, retirees, executives--new methods are needed to hold their interest and ensure their cooperation while preserving the goals of the organizations they serve. Some of those organizations, especially museums, are using volunteer service agreements to attract and hold volunteers and to…

Explains steps in developing a volunteer program in a school; (i.e., assessing the school community's need for volunteers; developing a volunteer management plan; implementing the program; and evaluating the effort. Looks at trends in the number of volunteers, the competition for their services, volunteer expectations, and strength through…

The Mills College Alumnae Admissions Representative program is described. Three priorities for developing a program are identified: setting goals, deciding on management, and establishing the scope of program. The selection of volunteers and their training are discussed. Recognition of volunteer effort is seen as especially important. (MLW)

This document describes a community resource plan developed for rural special educators at a small elementary school near Salem, Oregon. The plan was designed for the specific needs of rural special educators, who generally have greater need for materials, personnel support, and financing than their urban counterparts. The resource plan includes:…

This essay places service-learning within the liberal arts tradition of empowering others to help themselves. Such a contextualization departs from visions of the student as consumer or customer and education as a means to gain economic advantage in a competitive market. Attention then turns to how even well-intentioned service-learning projects…

Large numbers of trained volunteers working in community-based settings are needed if adult literacy programs are to be successful. In addition, adult literacy programs must work in partnership with other community organizations. Particularly necessary are formal linkage agreements with nontraditional organizations such as service and fraternal…

A written campaign plan is seen as essential for annual fund success. It should contain details on all aspects of the campaign: strategy, leadership, organization, goals, and events, plus the schedule and deadlines for each of these. (MLW)

Governors and other state policymakers are turning to volunteer reading tutoring programs to improve children's reading ability. The Committee for Economic Development, a nonpartisan organization of business leaders and educators, reports a steady rise in the number of businesses that are volunteering personnel to participate in business-school…

Parents represent a major but largely neglected source of annual, capital, and deferred gifts. An important dividend of any effective parents program will be the volunteers it turns up. These volunteers can help with fund raising. (MLW)

The quality of untrained adult leadership is a critical determinant of whether organized athletic competition for children outside of school is beneficial or detrimental. Physical educators have an obligation to become involved directly or indirectly as providers of coaching education for volunteers or by facilitating the development of youth…

A bad attitude can sabotage recruiting volunteers. After examining attitudes, alumni administrators need to set goals, make plans, write job descriptions, recruit the right people for the job, and delegate properly. Ways to ensure good continuing relations are offered. (MLW)

The purpose of this paper is to provide information to practitioners who are establishing and implementing volunteer programs on their campuses. First, the historical and contemporary roots of civic participation by students in American higher education is explored in three historical phases: (1) higher education as preparing an elite group of men…

Explores education as a creative force affecting all aspects of life. The main emphasis is on developmental possibilities and personal achievements as continuing through the entire lifespan and into the later stages of old age. (CT)

Lessons worth noting from existing community-service programs include the importance of reciprocity and benefit to the volunteer; accountability to the community; youth leadership; a multigenerational approach; crossing the color line; and open mindedness. The service movement provides real possibilities for mutual advantage. (SLD)