Explains that incorporation is one of the best ways for PTAs to protect their officers, volunteers, and staff from being personally responsible or liable for PTA debts and legal obligations while performing PTA business, describing what a corporation is, how a corporation is created, disadvantages to forming a corporation, and legal requirements.…

The article profiles five winners of Campus Compact: The Project for Public and Community Service. The project honors five undergraduate students each year for their efforts in addressing social needs in their communities. (DB)

Describes personal, social, and political factors contributing toward youth crime upsurge in China since 1960. Describes "Bang-Jab" youth delinquency rehabilitation approach which relies on community system of support to bolster youth's self-esteem and financial security. Argues that bang-jab volunteers understand conditions in their…

Describes a program developed by the Children's Aid Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, called Intergenerational Support System (ISS), in which senior volunteers serve as support persons for problem families. (SAK)

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)

According to focus groups with 4-H adult and teen volunteers in Ohio, teens felt the most effective adults had a sense of humor, flexibility, and open minds; adults felt effective teens were self-confident, motivated, respectful, and mature. Teens thought adults did not listen to or understand them. Adults seemed to expect adult-like behavior from…

The Columbus (Ohio) Public Schools, in cooperation with the Columbus Foundation and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, developed a nonprofit, independently administered program (I Know I Can) to (1) encourage all students, especially the disadvantaged, to attend college; and (2) help them apply for college admission and financial aid. President…

Notes that number of surveys indicate rise in percentage of elders involved in volunteer work over past 25 years. Identifies cultural, demographic, and programmatic factors that have contributed to this increase. After describing some current policies and programs, identifies strategies for sustaining and expanding volunteerism by elders in the…

Compared effects of ombudsman programs on quality of nursing home care on random sample of 134 Medicare/Medicaid-certified long-term care facilities in Missouri. Found that presence of ombudsman program was most important factor associated with quality for intermediate-care facilities, and was significantly associated with quality for skilled…

Five European projects illustrate how older adults are volunteering as well as creating volunteer opportunities that enable them to contribute their considerable skills and energies to community service. (SK)

Discusses misconceptions about teen volunteers in public libraries: teens who hang out make good volunteers; teens who apply want to work; parents aren't important; incorporating volunteers is easy; enthusiasm means commitment; volunteers will tell you if they don't enjoy the job; non-performers are easy to fire; teens volunteer because they need…

A survey of 328 volunteers serving on sports committees in Australia found that organizational commitment was higher in organizations with open decision making, conflict resolution, and attention to group process. Positive, effective committee functioning led to lower turnover. (SK)

Discusses the benefits and costs associated with participation in voluntary organizations. Suggests that understanding benefits and costs is important because they can be used to enhance performance in voluntary groups. Discusses implications of research and makes recommendations for further research. (Author/JOW)

Performance feedback methods in paid work can be applied to the management of volunteers. A survey of 32 Western Australian organizations indicated that 21 provided feedback based on performance standards in the job description. (SK)

Includes "Introduction to International Perspectives" (Allen); "Volunteerism in the Welfare State: The Case of Denmark" (Habermann); "Grassroots Organizing in Bangladesh" (Chowdhury); and "Volunteerism in Latin America" (Guerra). (SK)