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)

4-H youth development agents (n=81) identified the importance and frequency of use of the phases in the GEMS (Generate, Educate, Motivate, Sustain) model of volunteer administration. The greatest discrepancy between importance and frequency was in sustaining volunteer involvement. Areas for agents' professional development were identified.…

Oregon 4-H program conducted focus groups with 18 volunteer managers experienced in working with Latino adult volunteers. Latino volunteerism occurs first in the context of family and neighborhood, and they do not think of their contributions as volunteering. Organizations must establish a presence and build trust in the Latino community.…

Evaluating the impact of volunteer programs should measure both program outcomes and volunteer growth and development. The Targeting Outcomes of Programs Model is a structured way to collect data on several levels. (SK)

Volunteer motivation and commitment are linked through learning about the organization, the job, and oneself. Volunteer managers should (1) identity volunteer motivations and establish conditions to support them; (2) identify learning activities appropriate for motivations and learning styles; (3) ensure congruence between volunteer learning and…

Objective: To demonstrate the connection between students' learning and the world beyond the classroom. Type of speech: Informative. Point value: 15% of course grade. Requirements: (a) References: 3 (1 of which must be an interview); (b) Length: 4-6 minutes; (c) Visual aid: No; (d) Outline: Yes; (e) Prerequisite reading: Chapters 3-6, 8, 9…

The present study employed a functional approach to assess the motivations of tutors volunteering at a non-profit tutoring program. Based on the work of Clary et al. (1998), the "Volunteer Functions Inventory" (VFI) was used to differentiate between six different functions or motivations; values, understanding, social, career, protective and…

Nativity schools--there are over forty in urban areas throughout the United States--provide an important alternative to urban middle schools failing to provide their students with an adequate education. Nativity schools, which are privately funded, provide a year-round educational experience for at-risk urban children. They feature small classes,…

Background: For healthy development, children need positive relationships with adults. Due to changes in family systems and shifting social norms, many children may be receiving less parental support than in the past and may be discouraged from forming natural mentoring relationships with other adults. Mentoring programs are designed to facilitate…

This report of the authors' study and reflections about voluntarism and the present and future of volunteer activity is intended to be useful as a resource, stimulus, and guide for those using volunteers; for organizers of "cause movements"; for professors of graduate students in service professions; and for anyone interested in…

The American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) Plus 50 Initiative (2008-2011), funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies, was created to build the capacity of community colleges nationwide to develop programming that engages the plus 50 learner. The Initiative supported a pilot group of 13 two-year institutions to develop or expand college…

The Project Approach has been applied to early childhood education in Taiwan since 1993. The purposes of this study were to explore how teachers of young children conduct the Project Approach, what challenges they have encountered and what support they may need. In addition, this study investigates teachers' implementation of the Project Approach…