Uses a case study and an interactionist perspective to explore the way in which community service draws together power elites in a community's communications network, provides a context for peer evaluation, and is an effective means of maintaining internal surveillance. (SR)

The authors describe an experimental 3-year project of the Thailand Ministry of Education's Nonformal Education Department. The project features decentralization and local participation in the integration of government services to villages. Results indicate that the methods used produce better than average participation and more benefits to…

This report summarizes the national service programs and proposals discussed at the first global conference on national service held in June of 1992. Current programs include those in France and Germany where civilian service may be performed as an alternative to mandatory military service. In Nigeria university graduates perform a year of…

AmeriCorps is a national initiative that involves citizens in strengthening America's communities through community service. This document presents findings of a cost-benefit analysis of two AmeriCorps programs in Washington State--the Hoquiam Project and the Lake Chelan Project. In calculating annual costs, the study included both federal dollars…

Discusses use of volunteers to augment local government services such as libraries, parks, paralegal aid, elderly care, data processing. Outlines requirements of successful programs and steps toward initiating volunteer programs. Presents case studies of volunteer programs in two Maryland communities and 41 examples of how local governments can…

This article argues for the civic value of the humanities scholar. Scholars can contribute to the community through their state humanities councils. Many institutions of higher education may be indifferent to how scholars can participate in civic life. A listing of possible scholar roles in humanities council programs is included. (JB)

Advocates including school-age children in community service programs as a way to give back to the community, build confidence, create a sense of power to make a difference, organize, solve problems, develop strategies, make decisions, and gain personal gratification. Includes guidelines for planning and ideas for community service projects. (SD)

Experiential education, service learning in particular, offers one pedagogy for teaching democracy. This paper presents a rationale for teaching democracy through service learning and provides general and specific guidelines for accomplishing the goal. Models of service learning are described that teachers can incorporate into classroom…

This guidebook was developed to provide assistance to persons wishing to begin, expand, or promote programs of youth community service. It features examples of what young people already are doing and practical, down-to-earth ideas for designing, organizing, running, promoting, and supporting youth service programs. Special attention is given to…

Argues that school service programs involving students in volunteer community efforts should be included in democratic citizenship education. Suggests that encouraging cooperation through volunteer service combats corrosive and anti-democratic effects of excessive individualism. Lists six characteristics of effective programs, compiled by…

An examination of hundreds of studies on the use of volunteers in mentoring programs, service programs, and local community change initiatives highlight the importance of screening, training, and volunteer management. Each year, more than 90 million Americans contribute more than 20 billion volunteer hours. Personal benefits of volunteering…