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…

Discusses volunteer service programs in Catholic schools in the last 20 years. Lists trends emerging from a process of experimentation and growth in volunteer programs. Reviews the benefits for young people of volunteer work and discusses young people's contributions to church agencies and institutions.

Suggests that Catholic schools implement legally sound procedures for volunteer services. Offers guidelines for soliciting and screening volunteers, obtaining references, providing supervision and training. (AC)

Inner-city elementary parochial schools in Oakland, California are utilizing the services of volunteers in providing the individual attention needed by children who are slow learners. (DB)

Describes the Adult Literacy Program for beginning readers operated by Communities Organized to Improve Life, a coalition of neighborhood groups dedicated to improving the quality of life in west and southwest Baltimore. Examines the community-based nature of the program, facilities, instructional materials, staffing, and benefits. (DMM)

At St. Helena School, parent volunteers refurbished a vacant classroom to create a kindergarten and they have remained involved as aides. The author discusses what motivates parents toward school volunteer work: concern for quality education, the need for work experience, and the friendships and personal satisfaction gained from volunteering. (SJL)

Reports on a survey of 111 classroom volunteers in nine Catholic elementary schools. Finds that most volunteers: (1) were female, age 36 or older; (2) worked between 80-200 hours each year in a first grade classroom; and (3) were not employed and had earned at least a bachelor's degree. (CJW)

At a time when both public and parochial schools throughout the country are facing the prospect of continually declining enrollments, the Newark Archdiocese this year decided to see what a soft-sell campaign could do about it. (Author)

To expose students at a parish school to practical living skills, Tuesday afternoons were set aside for mini-courses in cooking, auto mechanics, crafts, etc. Parents were recruited as volunteer teachers. This article mainly describes the sewing course designed and taught by the author. (SJL)

Discusses the difficulty parish catechetical coordinators face in recruiting volunteer religion teachers. Presents recommendations for successful recruiting: stable programs that are spoken of confidently; in-service formation of catechists; recruitment that is done by the entire parish; casting a wide net; and creating an environment welcoming…

Discusses five elements in the effective involvement of parents as volunteers in Catholic school communities: receptivity of faculty and staff to volunteers, school organization and structure, recruitment, training, and recognition of the parents' contributions. Offers examples from St. Pius X/St. Leo School's (Omaha, Nebraska) volunteer program.…

Contains articles written by two former Frontiers of Justice participants about their experiences and reflections on the legacy message of the Church in El Salvador. Also includes a poem written by the Archbishop Oscar Romero, and an extensive bibliography of resources in English on the Church in El Salvador. (VWC)

Discusses an effort by students, parents, alumni, and alumni parents to help clean and paint Bishop Fenwick High School, in Massachusetts, as a way to "give something back" to the school; the event has been a springboard for other community service events, such as a landscaping day at the school. (AJL)

Suggests a course of action for Catholic schools wishing to establish a healthy and productive volunteer program in which parent-volunteers are involved in the school on a meaningful level. Raises questions to be considered in developing a profile of the volunteer base. (DMM)