Conducted longitudinal study of 21 U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, first interviewed in 1960s during tour of service in Republic of Philippines and then 20 years later as middle-aged adults. Life events reported after their service and high degree of response agreement in two interviews confirm that Peace Corps experience constituted turning point in…

The Locating, Orienting, Operating, and Perpetuating (LOOP) model is a structured way for Extension educators to guide volunteers. Use of LOOP allows Extension educators to link volunteers with organizational mission, project goals, personal interests, significant accomplishments, and recognition. (Author/JOW)

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)

Develops a typology of learning for volunteering, including the types of learning (instrumental, communicative, emancipatory) and examples of formal, nonformal, informal, and incidental education that take place with each. (SK)

Survey responses from 969 (of 2,552) Oregon Extension volunteers revealed personal benefits, including gains in knowledge, self-confidence, and interpersonal relationships. Community benefits were noted by more than one third. A few noted economic benefits (increased job skills and useful contacts). The costs of volunteering were perceived as low…

Describes the use of sample surveys to estimate the amount of time spent volunteering. States that it is necessary to estimate the number of hours involved and to establish an appropriate value per hour. (SK)

Written job descriptions for volunteers clarify roles; serve as tools for recruitment, placement, and supervision; help in designing training; and can be used to deal with such problems as absenteeism or strained relations with paid staff. (SK)

Interactive theatre involving role play is an experiential learning tool that involves audience and performers in exchange of ideas and solutions. It is useful in training volunteers. (SK)

Discusses the benefits of employee volunteerism such as enhanced brand image, increased customer loyalty, increased competitiveness, and skill building for employees. Looks at how several major corporations volunteer in their communities. (JOW)

At Florida State University, the career placement staff tailors its career expos to the needs of students and employers. This article discusses how they market their expos; their online recruiter registration; how they recruit volunteers; and the importance of hospitality. (Author/MKA)

Laubach Literacy Action's trainer certification system incorporates a team composed of a certified supervisory trainer, the apprentice trainer, and a literacy program representative. The strategy provides continuity, increases the knowledge base, and balances strengths and weaknesses. (SK)

Trends in volunteering include the following: increasing rates of burnout; increased competition for fewer volunteers; emphasis on the human touch; workplace changes; episodic volunteering; professionalization of volunteers; emphasis on diversity; new forms of volunteering; liability and risk management; and technology. Volunteer managers are…

Examined the experiences and attitudes of indigenous and non-English speaking background people in Australia to conceptions of volunteering, the nature of their volunteer involvement, and supports for and barriers to volunteering. (JOW)

Responses from 282 current and former Master Gardeners in Missouri identified the most important benefits they derived from participation: increased knowledge, personal growth, and satisfaction of altruistic values. Social and career-related benefits received the lowest rankings. The most active volunteer Master Gardeners were most likely to…

A study examined motivation as a crucial factor in the high turnover of Volunteers in Policing (VIP) participants (n=51). A sound police-volunteer relationship is crucial to the success of the New South Wales Police Service's VIP program. (Author)