Reviews guidelines and objectives established by the United States Catholic bishops report on teaching human sexuality, identifying the goal of such education as the "realization of total sexual identity" and affective maturation. Describes workshops designed by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to train sexuality educators in accordance with the…

In September 1990, three programs (Family Study Institute, Saturday School Programs, and Evening Programs) to strengthen and improve parent-school partnerships and enhance communication were instituted in a racially integrated school district in Cook County, Illinois. Evaluation findings showed that parental involvement significantly enhanced…

The growth of credit unions in Britain engendered a need for training their officers, mostly volunteers. However, a survey of 44 development officers found little national coordination of training and no uniform syllabus or system of qualifications. (SK)

A study examines the effect of a brief but intense antipollution message, compared to a control message, on verbal commitment and on three forms of immediate behavioral commitment of college student volunteers (n=104). Exposure to the antipollution message produced significantly more verbal commitment and financial donations but not more time…

Discusses the importance of students learning to make a difference in the community. Until recently, young people had many real responsibilities, but now, such opportunities do not occur naturally. The article examines what parents and schools can do to encourage youth service in the home, school, and community. (SM)

Based on specific examples from a study of Canadian groups, discusses the formative stage; values, goals, and strategies; group evolution, membership trends, and effectiveness of stewardship groups organized for the protection of the environment. (MDH)

A survey of 759 college students (260 of whom were community service participants) and interviews with 42 community volunteers suggest that students engaged in community volunteer activities were motivated more by personal concerns, such as acquiring experience, than by broader social/political commitments. Many students derive satisfaction from…

Advice about finding and using the "askable moment" with potential donors is offered to volunteer college fundraisers. Ideas include planning the call on a donor, getting right to the point, responding to "yes" or "maybe," keeping the conversation brief, discussing the gift amount, and dealing with more complex…

Schools are discovering a wealth of experience and expertise available in their communities' senior populations. The graying of America guarantees older adults' continuing availability as a volunteer force. This article provides advice on developing intergenerational and outreach programs, stressing recruitment strategies and benefits of senior…

Describes the SerVermont initiative, an innovative volunteer program for high school students supported neither by state legislation nor public funds. It came into being through a nationally recognized service-learning expert's willingness to work closely with the governor, the state education commissioner, superintendents, and community agencies…

Seventeen participants completed training as certified ombudsperson volunteers (COVs) for residents of long-term care facilities. Training was effective in increasing their knowledge, and participants were generally satisfied with its content, utility, and format. (SK)

A survey was completed by 25 trained volunteers serving for more than one year as companions to people with mental retardation. Factors such as a strong orientation process, adequate support, appropriate matching, positive characteristics of clients, and a high perceived degree of reciprocity were characteristic of these stable relationships.…

Points out that there are fewer adults in families and that schools are unused before and after classes. Suggests that older adults can provide some support for school-aged children who would normally go home to an empty house. (JOW)

Aging 2000 is a Rhode Island organization of community-based networks working to improve geriatric health care through consumer empowerment. Evaluation of workshops on health behavior and the health-care system shows the viability of using older adult volunteers as peer teachers. (SK)

Research and experience has shown that allowing children and youth to feel that they are contributing members of their communities, they are less likely to exhibit rebellious or delinquent behaviors. Describes three model programs that employ the principle of generosity as a key component of interventions for troubled children and youth.…