The IJOVA Volume XXVII, Number 3


FROM THE EDITOR

In This Issue: The Three “P’s” in Volunteer Programs: Programs, Processes, and Policies ... link to pdf

FEATURE ARTICLES

What Makes Them Tick? Understanding Our Differences
Can Enhance Intergenerational Volunteer Collaboration

Thomas Hall, Ed.D., & Rachelle Vettern, Ph.D.
Volunteer resource managers understand the need to collaborate with others. In difficult economic times, collaboration becomes critical as volunteer organizations are asked to do more with less. People today are living longer, happier lives. It is not unusual for today’s volunteers to find themselves working side-by-side with members of three or four generational cohorts. Research tells us that in order to work together effectively we need to understand and trust one another; we need to be about the business of building social capital. The article explores the research and provides tips on how to build a trusting, intergenerational work environment. ... link to pdf
Key Words: social capital, generations, collaboration, volunteers

Competencies Needed by Master Gardener Volunteer Program Administrators
Landry L. Lockett, Ed.D., Scott Cummings, Dr.P.H., & Jeff Ripley, Ph.D.
The skills and actions of a volunteer program’s administrator (i.e., volunteer resource manager) are critical factors in the success or failure of the program. A panel of experts identified best management competencies for Cooperative Extension county agents who are volunteer Master Gardener program administrators. A Delphi technique was implemented utilizing 15 county Extension agents throughout Texas. Consensus was reached on 64 competencies needed by volunteer Master Gardener program administrators. The panel placed an emphasis on “people” skills, positive attitude, management skills, and the ability to articulate Extension’s mission and goals. The results of this study provide insight into effectively leading Master Gardener programs, and provide concentration points for volunteer program administrators of all types to effectively utilize their time, energy and resources for maximum impact and volunteer program success. ... link to pdf
Key Words: volunteer master gardener, competencies, volunteer program administrator, Cooperative Extension

Effectively Recruiting and Retaining Service Volunteers in the IndyCar Series Racing
Michael Janisse & W. James Weese, Ph.D.
This action research project was undertaken to uncover the demographic and psychographic profiles, as well as satisfaction levels of the volunteers involved in a IndyCar auto race with a view enhancing the volunteer recruitment, deployment, and retention practices. The event requires more than 1800 volunteers on an annual basis. Volunteers were found to be well educated, between the ages of 35 and 45, experienced in other volunteer and professional areas, relatively affluent, and satisfied with their volunteer experience. Volunteers recruited by other volunteers tended to be the most satisfied with their experience compared to those who responded to general print or electronic advertisements. Recommendations are provided to help volunteer resource managers of large-scale sporting events deploy more effective recruitment and deployment practices. ... link to pdf
Key Words: volunteers, recruitment, auto racing, sport

Assessing The Impacts On Volunteers Who Participate in Rural Community Development Efforts
Amy Meier, M.A., M.Ed., Loretta Singletary, Ph.D., & George Hill, Ph.D.
This pilot study develops and tests criteria to use in assessing impacts on volunteers who participate in rural community development efforts. Study participants were volunteers who worked together over a four-year period to establish and sustain a farmers market in a remote rural community facing socioeconomic challenges. A major finding is that a strong relationship exists between volunteers’ knowledge gains and the volunteer resource manager’s role, in addition to volunteers’ program experience and their value of the experience. Results from this pilot study may help in developing effective volunteer leadership education programs and in establishing guidelines to replicate future impact assessments. ... link to pdf
Key Words: volunteers, community development, training, rural

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Book Review: Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice
(K. Seel, Editor, 2010)
Reviewed by Ryan J. Schmiesing, Ph.D. ... link to pdf

Courses, Certificates, and Credentials: New Graduate Distance Professional Development Resources for Volunteer Resource Managers
R. Dale Safrit, Ed.D., & Harriett C. Edwards, Ed.D.
The authors describe three new distance-based graduate academic program opportunities recently implemented by North Carolina State University that provide professional development resources to any volunteer resource manager (VRM). First, five 3-credit graduate courses are described addressing critical VRM professional competencies, that may be taken for personal/professional development. Secondly, a university-based 12-credit graduate Certificate in Volunteer Management and Administration is offered that strengthens a VRM’s current competencies or professional resume. Thirdly, distance Master’s Programs in Family Life and Youth Development with both thesis (36 credits) and non-thesis (30 credits) options allow a student to further concentrate in volunteer management and administration. Important application requirements and procedures are described for each opportunity. ... link to pdf
Key Words: volunteer resource management, courses, certificate, credentials, professional development, distance education

COMMENTARY

Should Our Organization Take a Chance on Tweets?
Harriett C. Edwards, Ed.D., & Benjamin Chapman, Ph.D.
Staying abreast of social media and networking tools, and evaluating whether they can aid a volunteer organization, are daunting tasks. Social media may all sound like a panacea, but what are the realities of fully embracing these new technologies and are there repercussions for not bringing our volunteer programs into the contemporary technological era? The authors present questions, concerns, strengths, and challenges for volunteer-driven programs and their managers and administrators in an era of social media networking. ... link to pdf
(Editor-generated) Key Words: social media, networking, technology

FROM THE JOVA ANNALS

A Systematic Approach for Volunteer Assignment and Retention
John P. Saxon, Ph.D. & Horace W. Sawyer, Ed.D.
The authors describe a detailed process using various occupational resources in the placement of volunteers in an organization. Specific focus is placed on the matching of volunteer skills and abilities and the requirements of the volunteer position. ... link to pdf
(Editor-generated) Key Words: volunteer placement, Dictionary of Occupational Titles, volunteer retention

Training Volunteers to Deliver a Breast Health Programme
Merle Kisby, R.N., B.Sc.N. Marilyn MacKenzie, R.N., B.Sc.N., M.Ed., Diane Finkle, M.A., & Carolyn Hill, R.N.
The authors provide a detailed explanation of the implementation of a breast health training program in conjunction with the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. The authors discuss the development and delivery of the program, as well as considerations for future training programs. ... link to pdf
Key Words: breast health training, Canadian Cancer Society, health promotions training

Volunteer Screening Practices, an Essential Component of Volunteer Management: Implications from a National Study of Extension Professionals
Cathy M. Sutphin, Ph.D.
The author was interested in the way that volunteer administrators screen potential volunteers across the country. Surveys were distributed to Cooperative Extension professionals nationwide in order to determine their current onboarding procedures for volunteers, including the use of reference and background checks, as well as performance reviews and exit interviews. ... link to pdf
Key Words: volunteers, screening, selection, Cooperative Extension

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