A survey of volunteers, offenders, and prison personnel in a volunteer mentoring program in Oklahoma prisons uncovered problems caused by inadequate mentor training due to lack of resources. Lack of funds forces correctional agencies to use volunteers, but it also prevents them from using them effectively. (SK)

Workplace volunteer councils (WVC) are associations of representatives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors working together to enhance grass-roots volunteerism. Volunteer administrators can play an integral role in supporting partnerships formulated through a WVC by providing opportunities and expertise to ensure that the experience is…

This training activity is intended to facilitate a group analysis of the culture of an organization and the impact of that culture on volunteer diversity. A menu of tools and activities allows the trainer to adapt the activity to the needs of each group. (Author/JOW)

Includes three papers: "Trends in Volunteerism: A Canadian Perspective" (Paddy Bowen); "Shrinking Government--A New Zealand Story: The Effects on Volunteers, Volunteer Agencies, and Their Clients" (Mary Woods); and "Public Issues Facing Non-Profits and Volunteerism in the United States" (Jeanne H. Bradner). (SK)

A survey of 22 agency directors and 219 volunteer board members showed that 40% of members received 1-5 hours of training in the last 6 months, 47% none. Training needs included board roles and responsibilities, strategic planning, understanding the agency, and fundraising. Preferred methods were facilitated workshop/retreat or board-led training…

Describes a series of training modules and a process for volunteer advisory boards to assess the current degree to which their organizational structure, policies, and programs are inclusive for diverse audiences. Includes illustrations and assessment tools in 13 appendices. (JOW)

An urban nonprofit residential treatment program for chemically dependent teenagers uses the Myers Briggs Type Indicator as a team-building tool for volunteers sponsoring teens through the 12-step recovery process. Training in team building and personality types increases understanding of communication style differences and conflict management.…

A survey of 49 volunteer leadership development programs (39% response) and 704 professional association members (46% response) identified the top volunteer trends: virtual volunteering, corporate/workplace volunteers, episodic volunteering, and changing demographics of volunteers. (JOW)