The changing role of volunteerism

As the number of Americans who volunteer grows, the definition of "volunteer" is becoming more broad. In addition to the traditional volunteer opportunity, there are community service, student internship, and court-ordered service programs, all of which pose a set of complicated managerial questions for those charged with designing and running volunteer programs. Today, volunteers' motives may extend further than the simple desire to help their neighbor. For example, given the tough job market, some individuals are volunteering as a possible bridge to employment, and are eager to learn skills and gain experience that they might transfer to a new work setting. The growth in the number of volunteers is not without its down side, however. As governments have cut back on service programs, some responsibilities traditionally assumed by government are being shunted to volunteer organizations, an inappropriate solution. Although volunteer programs deserve support, governments cannot be let off the hook. Volunteers cannot and should not replace paid staff. There are a number of exciting and innovative approaches to recruiting, managing, and motivating volunteers. Some programs are responding to the new kinds of volunteers by restructuring the volunteer opportunity to make it more accessible to those who work from 9 to 5. Others are responding to the diversity of the communities they serve by seeking training in cultural sensitivity and recruiting volunteers from the community. Whatever the volunteer opportunity, the screening and placement interview is a crucial first step. It should be used to clarify expectations--of the volunteer and of the volunteer administrator. Once volunteers are on board, the key to managing and retaining volunteers is to recognize what motivates the individual volunteer--whether it is the desire to acquire job-related skills, to socialize, or simply to learn new things--and to provide the volunteer with these opportunities. Continuing education, training, and feedback are essential ingredients of any volunteer program. Another key to retaining volunteers is appropriate recognition. Although volunteers may appreciate the traditional pin or letter of thanks, volunteer administrators should explore other means of recognition that are tied in to the individual volunteer's motives for volunteering in the first place. Involving volunteers in the development and refinement of the volunteer program and considering their suggestions for improvements are important ways of keeping them involved and signaling recognition of their expertise and value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)