A study of 101 alumni of the Leadership Ashville Seniors program shows that middle class, well-educated retirees who had been professionals/managers want volunteer, leadership, and learning opportunities. Higher education can help develop roles that counter commonly believed age stereotypes. (SK)

Examined stress perceived by telephone intervention volunteers (N=80) at suicide prevention center. Only amount of experience in telephone intervention with suicidal persons predicted stress level before shift. Stress during high-urgency call was related to level of urgency of call; total length of all calls received; and coping mechanisms of…

Data from the Youth Development Study, a prospective longitudinal study that followed approximately 1,000 Minnesota ninth graders for seven years, indicate that performing volunteer work as a teenager had a strong negative relationship to being arrested as a young adult. Age dependencies in the nature and effect of volunteer work are discussed.…

Explores how a community of learners maintains itself through the inclusion of new generations, using the example of new parent volunteers at an innovative public elementary school. Describes four models of community maintenance defining the relationship between the community and newcomers. (Author/SLD)

Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and healthier, perhaps due to enhanced social support, less self-focus, and fewer goal conflicts. Volunteering seems most beneficial for people whose social activities provide cognitive support for coping with major developmental challenges. (SK)

The Pioneers, a group of students in a residential treatment program at Woodland Hills in Duluth, Minnesota, describe how they are changing their lives and community through peer helping and volunteer service. (Author)

Concerned about the deteriorating condition of existing facilities, a dedicated group of Lake City, Iowa students, staff, parents, and community members completely redecorated and refurbished the school, transforming it into a bright, colorful building--at no cost to the district. The "Make a Difference Day" had unexpected social and…

Observations and interviews were conducted of 36 older adult volunteers in preschool classrooms. Volunteers brought a familial dimension to the setting and modeled behaviors for children. Their styles were not consistent with professional standards but complemented those of early childhood educators. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

A survey of 15 corporate volunteer program managers found that administration was complicated by limited staff time and lack of clear policies; employee preferences and incentives/rewards had a higher priority than impact on customers and community; feedback on program results was mostly informal; and 73% reported no measurement process. (Contains…

Suggests that because of the changing demographics of college students and the likelihood that they participate in paid work, the time has come for community college staff to consider ways to support student involvement in important on-campus organizations through compensation. Describes such arrangements with precedent in the campus environment,…

Examines volunteer hospital workers' evaluations of the effectiveness of regulative messages constructed by hospital staff in response to four scenarios. States that positive face support was not related to effectiveness ratings for volunteers with lower construct differentiation, but messages lacking face support were criticized. Notes that…

Describes the Home Start program in the United Kingdom, in which volunteers, during home visits, offer regular support, friendship, and practical help to parents who have at least one child under school age and who are under stress. (BC)

Describes a case study of one college student's learning experiences as an adult literacy tutor in a community center of a low income housing development. Highlights the challenges faced by both learners and tutors in adult literacy education. (SR)

It has become easier to conduct background checks over the Internet. Youth agencies must implement this information to screen applicants for working in youth programs. This paper highlights a legal case in which the plaintiff claimed he was repeatedly molested by his scoutmaster, calling the Scouts negligent in hiring and monitoring the…

A survey of 157 older adult volunteers suggests that volunteering provides substantial benefits such as maintaining a sense of identity and self-esteem, meeting the need to belong to a group, and affording opportunities to undertake new learning challenges. Volunteer organizations should attempt to meet these needs as a way to retain volunteers.…