The West Virginia extension program hires volunteer camping assistants (VCAs) to work in county 4-H camps. College students who have been in 4-H for at least 10 years, VCAs attend a week-long training session to prepare for overnight camps. A genuine desire to help children motivates most VCAs, but they inspire adult leaders also. (TD)

Three practice-based articles highlight common experiences and challenges in dealing with the impact of globalization: "Maori Volunteers: Finding a Voice for the Voiceless" (Te Momo); "Empowering Women through Income-generating Projects: Evidence from Indonesia" (Prihantinah, Marinova, Stocker); and "Empowering Kenyan…

Surveyed 1,960 students in 11 institutions of higher education concerning performance of community service. Results revealed connections between frequency of community service and both individual and institutional characteristics. Two personal variables showed significant relationships to community service: spiritual/religious values were…

Alumni clubs and the alumni administrators on campus who help organize them have found that community work provides the added purpose that some groups have traditionally lacked. A community service goal can galvanize a diverse group, sustain loyalty, and extend the reach and reputation of even the most prominent institution. (MLW)

Green Elementary School (MI) is recognized as an outstanding school. Community involvement, including an active core of parent volunteers, contributes to the school's success. Several school activities are outlined: school-wide themes, theatrical performances, and activities to enhance staff harmony. (IAH)

Describes the collaboration between two teachers, involving six eighth grade and two ninth grade English classes, to present a unit reflecting the needs, hopes, and potential of the handicapped. Explains how volunteerism was incorporated into the classroom. Describes preparation, traveling to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament, class…

Starting a special-interest alumni group based on race can be problematic. Painful memories still linger for many minority alumni. Louisiana State University's Tureaud Chapter was willing to operate within the alumni association's framework. The right mix of communication, programing, and financial support is needed. (MLW)

Describes the selection and training of volunteers to conduct a national health promotion program, Staying Healthy after Fifty. (JOW)

Suggests a course of action for Catholic schools wishing to establish a healthy and productive volunteer program in which parent-volunteers are involved in the school on a meaningful level. Raises questions to be considered in developing a profile of the volunteer base. (DMM)

This article presents an experimental community-based prevention planning model which was established to solicit involvement of adults and youth from high risk communities in an effort to prevent substance abuse through provision of positive outreach activities. The model's components, methodology, and preliminary findings are described. (IAH)

Presents suggestions for getting parents involved in schools, noting reasons why parents stay away. Suggestions include recruiting parent liaisons, collaborating with parents on problems, sharing a meal, sponsoring a parent-student project night, making a special effort to say thanks, and getting other teachers and administrators involved. (SM)

Connecting students to reading and writing means connecting them to real-world readers and writers. Writers' Day at one Pennsylvania middle school was established to bring regular working professionals (not authors or poets) from the community to school to share how writing is used in their professional and personal lives. All participants…

Researchers conducted focus group interviews with college student peer health educators to determine what factors motivated them to volunteer for a peer health education program. Examination of their life experiences, motivations, and program expectations indicated that life experiences, belief in the effectiveness of peer health education, and…

Survey of 2,362 members of the International Association of Women found that most members came from the traditional business-oriented upper middle class and politically moderate upper class. Members saw child welfare and health, education, substance abuse, adolescent issues, economic well-being, and environment as most important issues, but…

Of 1,700 homeless in Orange County, Florida, 40 percent are families. In 1988, a coalition of 34 agencies formed to address this challenge. A school district task force composed of community members, university student tutors, and key players from transportation services, pupil assignment, health services, Chapter 1, extended day, exceptional…