Hardly anyone can have failed to pick up on the recent flurry of stories in the national press about the Big Society, sparked off by Dame Elisabeth Hoodless's remarks that funds for volunteers are disappearing at an alarming rate, and that this is undermining the very idea of a "Big Society". At the same time, under the government's…

Formative evaluation in an all-volunteer program is described as a process of gathering data to create a model of key organizational problems, challenging and elaborating the model, and translating the model into action. (SK)

Proposes five challenges of associational organization. Suggests that voluntary associations are conceptually and organizationally distinguishable from the bureaucratic service-delivering agencies of the broader nonprofit sector and that they merit specific research attention to build descriptive data and specialist theory. (Author)

Examines the ethical issues surrounding President Reagan's directive to "Go back to the voluntary sector." Discusses trends which currently affect ethical issues of managing volunteer agencies/programs. Recommends proactive steps to be taken in developing the potential of voluntary organizations, identifying organizations' bases of support,…

Explores three legal implications of news councils: (1) the effect of the councils on the frequency of libel suits, (2) the validity of the waiver complainants must sign, and (3) the potential impact of news council decisions in determining standards of press performance. (FL)

If their money and other assets are used effectively, voluntary organizations have an impact far beyond their proportionate size. The United States needs effective governments and a strong voluntary sector, but it will have neither if national leaders do not understand the differences in their functions. (Author/JOW)

Within this document are testimony and prepared statements delivered at a congressional subcommittee hearing in a Connecticut high school on a bill that would encourage volunteering by 15- to 26-year-olds by creating a National Youth Service Program. The bill is summarized within the document. The following individuals' presentations about how to…

Describes 20 volunteer programs that are specifically designed for older adults. Points out that senior citizens can contribute to society long after they retire. (JOW)

Attendance at conferences provides opportunities for developing listening, notetaking, and questioning skills as well as confidence and self-esteem. Planning conferences provides other experiential learning through such roles as entrepreneur, administrator, troubleshooter, and organizer. (SK)

Explores the rapid growth and internationalization of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and discusses the forms the process is taking, and what future structures may emerge. Analyzes issues that arise as NGOs globalize and makes recommendations for policymakers. (JOW)

States that voluntary children's and family services are being affected by a reduction in government funds and argues for a vigorous response through the maintenance and development of tested, valid programs. (Author/MP)

Profiles youths who demonstrated social responsibility through service in the nonprofit sector. Details how vocational educators can facilitate community service leading to good work, enabling the reshaping of capitalism in humanistic ways. (SK)

This document provides a working definition of youth development based on existing theories and discussions, and crafts a strong case for strengthening the role of the non-school voluntary sector in promoting youth development. Part I of this three-part report focuses on this working definition of youth development, examining the need for such a…

Discusses the resettlement of Polish refugees in Austrian camps. Suggests that the Indochinese experience can help in Polish refugee resettlement, although the Polish situation is less complicated because the Western-oriented Poles are more readily assimilated and fewer in number than the Indochinese. (Author/MJL)

In an assessment culture, credit-based education and training are increasingly important in voluntary and community sectors. Examples from Hungary and Britain were used to develop a democratic participative model to identify the need for and relevance of credit and to use qualifications to further civil society. (Contains 53 references.) (SK)