This report offers practical suggestions for literacy practitioners and program administrators on how to use webinar and webcasting technologies to promote and market literacy. The report is divided into sections on how to use webinars for learners, for staff and volunteers and to engage the general community. A checklist of tips to use on the day…

This description of a program in which public libraries serve as sites for mediation sessions discusses the advantages of mediation over judicial proceedings in resolving disputes in the neighborhood and workplace, the role of the library in this program, and the effects on the library's relationship with the community. (CLB)

Describes a volunteer program that uses retired people to work in their neighborhood schools. Volunteers receive training and provide an invaluable resource for students and teachers. (MD)

A training manual for volunteer fund-raisers is presented. The technique of soliciting is described and an interview with top volunteer Jerome Stone on fund-raising is included (MLW)

Advice about finding and using the "askable moment" with potential donors is offered to volunteer college fundraisers. Ideas include planning the call on a donor, getting right to the point, responding to "yes" or "maybe," keeping the conversation brief, discussing the gift amount, and dealing with more complex…

College reunion success depends on careful planning, including (1) starting early; (2) documenting all planning efforts; (3) motivating, including, and communicating with volunteers; (4) using formal and informal meeting time effectively; (5) providing a program highlighting events planned; (6) freeing staff to be volunteer-reliant; and (7)…

Describes a successful volunteer tutorial reading program, developed by the New Haven, Connecticut, school system, that provides disabled readers with assistance from volunteer tutors. Includes a list of seven caveats to consider when developing a volunteer program. (MD)

This series of articles discusses the use of adult and student volunteers in school libraries, focusing on volunteer recruitment; planning, implementation, and evaluation of volunteer programs; training methods and materials; and appropriate rewards for volunteers. (CLB)

Campus activities programing benefits from good training of student volunteers. Business training theory can be applied to student organizations. Training programs should be designed for four phases of volunteer experience (recruitment, testing, active, and exit) and emphasize leadership development. (MSE)

Guidelines offered for working with college alumni volunteers in student recruitment efforts include enlisting local alumni leaders' help; communicating expectations and procedures; requiring up-to-date records on local schools; prompt response to volunteer communications; and recognizing volunteer contributions. (MSE)

The use of focus groups to assess existing college student leadership efforts and as a step in developing better programs is examined. Procedures include assembling a planning team, identifying information needs, determining the composition of focus groups, soliciting and training volunteers, and using focus group results to design a program. (MSE)

College/university fund-raising phonathons can be more effective if the script is appropriate to the prospect, the caller's role in the institution is explicit, benefits to the prospect are clear, requested donation and what it will accomplish are mentioned, reasons for immediate giving are offered, payment/fulfillment procedures are specific, and…

Suggestions on how to write a handbook for alumni volunteers are presented. Before putting together a handbook for volunteers, two points need to be defined: the purpose of the handbook and who will read it. The contents should cover the volunteer program, activities and how to run them, etc. (MLW)

Most college fundraising volunteers are uncomfortable asking for money. A training technique designed to help volunteers overcome these fears takes three hours and addresses attitudes about money and requesting it, good and bad solicitation, and the elements of effective solicitation. A program schedule and practical exercises are offered. (MSE)

Guidelines are provided for parents, teachers, and administrators interested in implementing a volunteer program in classrooms or in an entire school system. This guide is divided into seven sections that deal with: (1) benefits derived from participation in a parent involvement program; (2) 10 points to consider in beginning a volunteer program;…