The author states that all types of leaders share four qualities: (1) intensity of vision, (2) ability to communicate agenda, (3) conviction in their beliefs, and (4) positive self-regard. She interviews Warren Bennis, an author on this subject, about the differences between business and volunteer leaders. (CH)

Despite the impression that extension agents had about volunteers not wanting to participate in training, a needs/interest assessment demonstrated that volunteers for 4-H recognize their need for leadership development. (SK)

An out-of-school learning program for youth in grades 4 through 8 is being implemented by the Florida Department of Education. The Neighbors Involved in Kids Education (NIKE) Clubs program includes physical education as an essential part of the program. This program is described. (MT)

Surveyed 519 Southern Baptists to test the prepotency of social linkages for predicting commitment in voluntary organizations. Results indicated that instrumentality theory (association with church gives prestige) was a weak predictor of organizational commitment. Cohesion theory (feeling wanted and needed by the church) produced more consistent…

Seventeen student volunteers form the Franklin Pierce College Fire Department. When the firefighters are on duty, they must carry electronic pagers at all times. They also participate in dormitory inspections and attend weekend sessions at a local firefighters' training school. (MLW)

Three evaluation methodologies used in studies of volunteer utilization are reviewed: model-program comparison, benefit-cost analysis; and qualitative program review. The importance of utilizing a comprehensive evaluation incorporating all three methodologies is discussed using an ongoing community mental health center volunteer program as an…

A utilization-focused approach was adopted to evaluate a program that involved establishing three experimental under-fives coordinator's poets in one of the shire counties. An illuminative model of evaluation was used, with a focus on process rather than solely on outcomes. (BW)

Volunteers can help extend and expand all types of programs. Issues and trends of volunteerism in the society and its agencies and organizations are explored. (DF)

Ten women volunteers were trained as teachers of child management skills to parents of behavior-disordered preschoolers. Evaluation of the project's outcomes using a consumer satisfaction survey, parent ratings on a problem behavior checklist, and staff ratings of goal attainment, showed major changes in child behavior maintained at three-month…

Examined volunteering bias in racial, gender, and age groups in an adult development study. Results showed the middle-aged group volunteered at a higher rate, but this effect was restricted to Whites. Women volunteered more readily than men, except the elderly. Whites volunteered more readily than Blacks. (JAC)

This study examines the suspected positive outcomes of participating as a volunteer in a peer education program. To address a need for empirical studies, the authors conducted a qualitative evaluation of 21 narratives written by graduating educators. Three raters analyzed these narratives through content analysis, supported by strong inter-rater…

This publication contains a step-by-step guide for implementing an energy-saving project in local school districts: the installation of newer, more energy-efficient "T-8" fluorescent tube lights in place of "T-12" lights. Eleven steps are explained in detail: (1) find out what kind of lights the school district currently uses;…

This essay places service-learning within the liberal arts tradition of empowering others to help themselves. Such a contextualization departs from visions of the student as consumer or customer and education as a means to gain economic advantage in a competitive market. Attention then turns to how even well-intentioned service-learning projects…

Four age groups of boys were given three opportunities to display altruistic behavior. Sharing and helping increased with age. Volunteering to work showed no relationship to age. (ST)

This article describes a storefront counseling center where part-time volunteers involve young people in positive ways. (JC)