Paper expresses concern over the poor health of many Americans, anger that the situation is allowed to exist, and guilt that most people offer little remedy. Stresses the need for all Americans to commit to doing something with the belief that they can meaningfully improve their neighbors' health. (SM)

The national-service movement promises to become a source of democratic renewal. Participation can be seen as the practice of citizenship if the political realities are recognized. The movement could produce a new generation of public leaders with practical skills and concepts. (SLD)

Discusses the development of a national accreditation scheme for volunteer assessors in the expeditions section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program for young people. Stages of accreditation include wild country experience, introductory learning and preparation, accreditation weekend, and induction assessments. Performance criteria are…

Compares help older people give with patterns of help given by younger adults via analysis of interviews with married men and women. Suggests that older adults are less involved in helping kin and friends but volunteer more than younger adults and that gender is a significant and consistent predictor of caregiving. (CRR)

Describes a university course in developmental psychology in which students participated as volunteers in community services for children and families. Explains that the course requirements offered 2 options: 50 hours of volunteer work or a series of 3 papers. Suggests that the volunteer experiences helped students maintain motivation and aided in…

Highlights the efforts of 11 Kiwanis groups across the country who have formed partnerships with Head Start centers. Sponsored activities described include (1) reading and literacy programs; (2) building and maintenance projects for centers and playgrounds; (3) a health fair; (4) a family sports event; and (5) donations of time, labor, books,…

Highlights findings from the American Association of Museums' 1989 survey. Presents national statistics about museums in the United States. Tables and charts explain the number of museums by region, distribution by type and budget size, attendance figures for 1988, and total staff by type. Sample size was 1,000 museums. (NL)

Describes a 9-month intergenerational program designed to establish a more intimate involvement between a group of 25 fourth graders and 25 elderly volunteers from Senior Neighbors, a multipurpose senior citizens center. Presents the format used to organize the project and identifies ongoing activities and program benefits. (Author/PVV)

Examines rewards and costs to "natural helpers," service-providers separate from any established group. Survey of 19 rural helpers identifies lack of appreciation, time and energy loss, and emotional-spiritual fatigue as costs of helping. Suggests mental health professionals collaborate with helpers. Recommends ways of enlisting helpers'…

The relationship between reading subcomponent efficiency and comprehension processes in terms of resource competition was studied in 2 experiments with 138 undergraduates and college-age volunteers. Results suggest competition for limited attentional resources when readers follow text presented at a preset rate, supporting a compensatory-encoding…

Describes Panther Paw Press, a school-based publishing program that is built on the efforts of teachers, parents, students, and a succession of supportive school principals. Discusses the details that make this publishing program work framed in the six goals articulated in the Panther Paw Press Handbook. (SR)

Describes one decision-making approach for quickly implementing a communications network into a school district. The use of volunteer labor for wiring installation, computer selection focusing on standardization to aid in troubleshooting, and an intranet system to achieve efficiency and learning opportunities for teachers and administrative…

Provides tips for designing effective training programs for library assistants. Discusses general points to consider; acquainting new assistants with the library; and assigning jobs that reflect assistants' interests. Suggests special projects for assistants including: arranging displays; cataloging; covering paperback and hardback books;…

Contends that Christ's mission to proclaim God's good news of salvation is reaffirmed in the upcoming millennium. States Catholics must help accomplish Christ's mission by answering the baptismal call to missionary work in the community. Lists local and national agencies, dioceses, parishes, and schools that provide mission resources. (11…

At Owsley County Elementary School (Booneville, Kentucky), the number of parent and community volunteers has doubled over the past 5 years. The school employs a full-time coordinator of parent involvement, has a parent center, and reaches out to the wider community with a monthly newsletter delivered to every county household. Benefits of parent…