Book Description

In Community Service and Higher Learning, Robert A. Rhoads examines the experiences of students as they commit themselves to community service during their college years. The author explores how a student's sense of self may be challenged through involvement in the lives of others within the context of community service relationships. Central to his "explorations of the self" is the role "caring" plays as a source of self understanding and identity development.

Drawing upon classic symbolic interactionists such as George Herbert Mead as well as contemporary feminists such as Carol Gilligan and Nel Noddings, Rhoads suggests ways in which the self might be reconsidered with an ethic-of-care philosophy at its core. He argues that higher education ought to play a key role in fostering more relational and caring individuals and that community service offers a pedagogical opportunity for encouraging the development of more caring selves. He maintains that as society becomes increasingly complex, diverse, and potentially fragmented, caring becomes a more important facet of one's sense of self than perhaps ever before. It is only through an increasing concern for the other (the essence of caring) that one is able to bridge the relational barriers posed by the postmodern condition. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderful!
This is a fantastic book from a master of qualitative research. In addition to the important substance of the book, Rhoads' skillful writing style adds to the value of the content, particluarly in the way he weaves his personal story and relationship to the to subject into the text.

Excellent reminder of the need for caring in today's society
A majority of us have all heard or are familiar with the well-versed cliche, "change is a good thing." Certainly this statement holds merit in varied scenarios such as changing one's wardrobe, profession, household or the like. But, let us extend the parameters beyond the personal, individualistic realm of the person, and bring forth a bird's-eye-view of the macroscopic world which we inhabit-- namely society. Hence, with this in mind, the remaining components of this essay shall limelight the main ingredient which is absent in much of today's materialistic culture-- the ideal, the moral of caring. Step into the time machine, and allow the invention to transport us back to the 1950s, an epoch of jukeboxes, soda machines and rock and roll. The hearts and souls of most Americans at that time was filled with the proud accomplishment of having won the Second World War, and a general sense of patriotism filled the American psyche. Along this vein of thought, the 1950s was also posed as a period where the attribute of caring for another was a top priority, neighbors were well-versed with each others' names, faces and colleagues congregated around an apple pie or background barbecue was not uncommon. Now, contrast that to the world of today. In this scenario, the change does not herald a warm metamorphosis. Now enter into the realm of the 1990s, a society which is filled and brimming with the flipside of the 1950s: hatred, suspicion and isolation of one man from the other. Clearly, a stark contrast exists, and a rallying cry for restoration of a more heedful and conscientious society is put forth via the pen of Professor Robert A. Rhoads, specializing in the Department of Education at Michigan State University. Within the pages of his distinguished novel, "Community Service and Higher Learning," Rhoads (and I personally enjoyed these) commenced each chapter with anecdotal snippets of his youth, in which he described the agony and humility of his tortured youth, as he and his family struggled to make do with their meager subsistence. Despite the overwhelming odd of extreme poverty, Rhoads, through the sheer tenacity of his spirit, rose the socio-economic ladder to success and reflecting upon his tormented childhood years, built the basis for the foundation of his literary piece. Within the pages of his text, Rhoads injects the experiences of other individuals (mainly college students)in the quest for community service and caring, delivering case studies and personal interviews to enhance the reality and scope of these volunteer efforts. In complement, Rhoads also carries to the forefront a varied array of concepts and ideals which he holds true to his re-establishment of an ethic of caring in today's merciless society. Thus, in many aspects, Rhoads strikes a cord of reminiscience toward an ancient Chinese belief, one which has been implemented into me by my mother: the philosophy lies in the lilly plant. As any botanist will defend, a lilly plant begins its life deep in the mud at the bottom of a pond, a solitary seed buried within the dark confines of a rather inhospitable and unfavorable habitat for growth. Despite these harsh conditions, the lilly plant is able to survive, extending its long stem, eventually breaking the sticky layer of mud, and emerging into the dark water. As the plant continues to develop, it eventually breaks the surface of the pond, reaching its broad head into the wide expanse of air, inhaling the freedom it had thirsted for for such a long period of time. Similarly, Professor Rhoads has accomplished a similar goal breaking free from the bonds of poverty which fettered him, and held the determination to succeed against all odds. Thus, his childhood memoirs are a double-edged sword-- painful but which have molded him into the individual he is today-- for like the ancient Phoenix, Professor Rhoads arose from the ashes of his traumatic childhood memoirs and metamorphosed into an individual of great apathetic capability and a genuine core which defines, exemplifies, and places a face to the definitions of excellence, courage and tenacity of spirit and soul. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you want to become a volunteer but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of organizations to choose from? Look no further than this revised edition of the bestselling book Make a Difference!

Complied and written by Arthur Blaustein, adjunct professor of social and urban policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and faculty advisor for its Americorps program, this guide offers valuable information for everyone inspired to give back to their communities. Make a Difference will help you find innumerable opportunities to put your expertise and talents to good use.

This revised and expanded guide includes more than 185 national, nonprofit organizations that use volunteers of all ages to make a difference where it counts. Make a Difference also lists 30 organizations that give up-to-date information on critical issues and policies. Whether you want to tutor a child or an adult, promote a cause you care about, or get hands-on experience at an organization's headquarters, Make a Difference will inspire you to get out there and make a difference in your community--and your life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A handy-dandy guide to getting involved
"Make a Difference" is an easy-to-read guide about volunteering with hundreds of community-based organizations. Blaustein does a fabulous job organizing the organizations by subject matter so readers can easily find opportunities that suit their interests. This book makes a fabulous gift for high schoolers, college students, and adults looking to make a difference.

It does make a difference
Make a Difference is a unique and important book. It's especially for young people and those retired or thinking about it; as well as those of us in between who can always find a few hours a month to help better our communities and public institutions. The young, in particular, need to learn about the responsibility of citizenship and the workings of democracy. If I were President I'd scrap the Star Wars anti-missile system (that scientists say won't work anyhow) and use the money to give out this book to every high school and college student in the country. And use the left-over to increase the salary of teachers who teach American history and Civics. That would be far more patiotic than wearing a flag in my lapel.

one-stop shopping for the seeking volunteer
An excellent comprehensive listing of national organizations whose doors are wide open and welcoming to compassionate individuals looking to make a difference in their communities. The book is sliced and diced by issue area, making it easy to navigate, and the contact information for each organization listed makes it easy to get moving. Dispersed throughout the book are personal accounts of the positive impact community service has on the community as well as the individual. Makes a great gift - for yourself or someone you love!

Some books are a must read, this one is a must do!
This is the Rx for the majority of Americans who feel helpless to change the course of our nation. Blaustein reminds us that we change the world, our national character and our soul - one good deed at a time. He provides the roadmap and you do the trip planning for what is sure to be an inspiring journey. Some books are a must read, this one is a must do!

A great gift
Make a Difference makes a great graduation gift for a high school or college senior. It's easy to read, full of good information, and gets you motivated to start volunteering in a way that really will make a difference. ... Read more

Book Description

Our communities depend on our ability to make the connection between education and democracy. This book can breathe new life into colleges and universities that want to reinforce their public service mission. Jacoby and her colleagues tell us how to do it.
--Dolores E. Cross, president, Chicago State University

Combining the most current theory and practice in the field of service-learning with many examples from actual campuses, Service-Learning in Higher Education is a comprehensive guide to developing high-quality service-learning experiences both in the curriculum and through student affairs programs.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Bible for service learning in higher education
With service-learning finally gaining the national recognition that it deserves, this book provides a comprehensive look at the role of service learning in the world of higher education. Starting with the concept of service learning and expanding to the reasons for implementation and then concepts for implementation, it truly is a starting guide and lifelong reference for any higher education professional, college student, or citizen interested in service-learning and its role in education. ... Read more

Book Description

"This book should be required reading for anyone involved in or concerned about volunteer member organizations - leaders, committee chairs, paid staff or interested members" according to David R. West, CAE, Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Association of Life Underwriters. D'Amour's book is jam-packed with simple, how-to solutions such as: How to hit your members' hot buttons, 7 tips to better business eetings, 15 tips for easier delegation, 100+ ways to spin a project and much more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A "Must Read" Primer for Association Boards!
This book is packed with tremendous value. I use D'Amour's book as an idea generator and to help solve problems that arise. Having been on non-profit association boards and working with volunteers for over ten years, I find this book indispensable. It is one that I give as gifts to in-coming member relations board members. My copy is a well-thumbed and favored resource. ... Read more

Book Description

This hands-on guide provides crucial information to volunteers who staff crisis hotlines, information, or telephone referral services. Created with an easy-to-use format, Talking with the Caller has been successfully tested to provide volunteers with immediate access to information, enabling them to effectively handle callers. Providing an introduction to the art of interacting with crisis-line callers, this practical book provides a conceptual framework for understanding the purpose of crisislines, their strengths and limitations, and the role of volunteers. Also included is a general list of ôdoÆsö and ôdonÆts.ö This well-organized manual is divided into three major sections: Part I focuses on problems requiring immediate intervention, such as such as threat of suicide, imminent threat to life, potential for lethal accident, recent abuse, injury, or panic attack; Part II addresses ongoing problems, which include depression, anger, eating disorders, grief, substance abuse, family relationship issues, sex-related concerns, and work issues; and Part III includes information on handling other calls, such as second-party calls, silent calls, or callers asking for special information. Within each section the topic features a description of possible scenarios, what approach works best, doÆs and donÆts for the particular problem, and any other special information pertinent to the situation. The contents of Talking with the Caller are organized so the critical information is at the volunteersÆ fingertips. Special features of the manual include tabbed dividers, an in-depth glossary, and space for note taking. Talking with the Caller does not encourage volunteers to engage in therapy-like conversations with the caller or address underlying causes of the crises. This manual is essential for practitioners who train and supervise volunteers for hotlines, telephone information services, or referral services. Medical staff, police officers, youth workers, and emergency service receptionists will also find Talking with the Caller valuable. ... Read more

Book Description

For anin-depth view of how middle level schools have successfully implementedcommunity service and service learning, turn to this insightful new resource. It features a comprehensive look at all disciplines, such as: math, science,social studies, language arts, and technology, from a broad perspective ofcontributors representing administrators, professors, and public schoolteachers.At a time when there is possibly more innovation takingplace in the area of middle level education than at any other level, teachersand administrators are developing and implementing a vast array of newcurricular and extra-curricular projects and programs designed to make learningexciting and relevant to the lives ofyoung adolescents.Two of thoseprograms are the focus of this new volume:social issues within the middleschool curriculum, and student involvement in service. Middle SchoolEducators.A Longwood Professional Book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

An Inside View of Dying
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in hospice work. But beyond that, I would recommend it to anyone who is facing the death of someone close to them, or ever will, or anyone who just wants to understand better before facing their own end of life. Christine Andreae, writing about her own experiences as a hospice volunteer, shows us that there are no hard and fast rules about what you should or shouldn't do when helping people face the end of a life. Tears are okay, but so is laughter. Questions are okay, even if no one knows the answer.

When Evening Comes Helps You Cope with the Dying Process
Sooner or later, we all lose someone very important to us. Reading this book won't make that process easier, but it will help you develop a deeper understand of the process of dying--and how it affects all those who know the dying person differently.

This book provides an extremely personal insight of how, even as a stranger, one can be supportive of someone who is dying. It's a sad story, of course, but one that is rich in uncovering the meaning of life.

It really makes you stop and recognize what's important--and what isn't and remember just how precious and short life really is.

Well written, moving account of hospice care
This well written personal narrative of a hospice volunteer is a moving account of how giving time and strength to others in their final stages is a genuine path to embracing community and self awareness. While I intellectually "knew" what would happen to all of the patients described in the book, I sat up late to finish the book in a marathon of reading to learn how each person's life would come to a close. Christine's strength as a person comes through in her writing--she writes as if her soul is on the tip of her pen. Her kindness and strength of character to seek out this kind of volunteer opportunity will be motivating to all readers seeking to broaden their personal horizons of experience. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a clear picture of a common but rarely discussed human experience, but especially to people in the helping professions of nursing, social work, or volunteerism.

When Evening Comes
Christine Andreae has done a masterful job of letting us in on the details of life as a hospice worker. We see the mundane routines and the difficult relationships as well as the deep stirrings evoked by connections with souls at a turning point. The book's rhythms keep the reader thoroughly engaged. There is no sugar coating here. There is an abundance of honesty and soul. Anyone involved with death and dying (isn't this all of us?) should read this book

Excellent depiction of end of life care
This book provides the reader with an poignant story of the author's experience as a hospice volunteer. Christine Andreae provides the reader with a real look at end of life care. I think it would be a great resource for anyone wanting to volunteer with hospice patients and for anyone who has had to deal with someone with a terminal illness ... Read more

Book Description

With its unique ability to fulfill personal and professional goals, social needs and corporate objectives, volunteering is much more than its own reward. But just how much more depends on the thought and planning that go into the process. That's why, as more and more nonprofits and for-profits pool their resources in volunteering partnerships, the development of an effective approach to the design and management of these programs is essential.

This comprehensive book/disk set provides not-for-profit leaders, for-profit business executives, individual volunteers, community leaders, and others with the systematic, hands-on guidance they need to maximize the benefits of volunteering for everyone involved, from front-line volunteers to community members.

Focusing on the crucial concept of "return value," the workbook offers solid practical advice on recruiting, training, and retaining today's volunteers. It examines volunteer program planning and implementation for both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. And, most importantly, it ex-plores how these entities can forge strategic alliances that match the nonprofit need for motivated, business-wise volunteers to the corporate desire to boost staff teamwork, time management, and other key skills.

The workbook comes complete with easy-to-follow procedures and checklists, plus worksheets and sample documents that are also included on the IBM-compatible disk. Simple to use and ready to implement, The Universal Benefits of Volunteering is an invaluable how-to tool for tackling a full range of volunteering challenges.

"A practical, well-designed publication that can help to increase volunteering and philanthropy through educating individuals on both the joy of serving others and the significant personal value that can be derived from the experience." —Patricia F. Lewis, ACFRE President and Chief Executive Officer National Society of Fund Raising Executives

"The Points of Light Foundation applauds the work set forth in The Universal Benefits of Volunteering. It is a valuable tool to help people connect through volunteer service." —Robert K. Goodwin President and Chief Executive Officer The Points of Light Foundation

"A practical publication that can assist individuals, not-for-profit leaders and business executives to increase volunteer participation through enhancing the full value of the experience." —R. William Taylor, CAE President American Society of Association Executives

The Universal Benefits of Volunteering offers a practical approach to designing, managing, and participating in today's volunteer programs. From recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers to establishing meaningful nonprofit and corporate volunteering partnerships, this comprehensive book/disk package contains essential hands-on guidance for not-for-profit leaders, corporate executives, and others who are working to make a difference through the field of volunteering. ... Read more

Book Description

"Kids Taking Action" highlights eighteen community service learning projects from diverse K-8 classrooms across the country. Written in a lively, engaging style, these profiles of hands-on, kid-friendly projects offer teachers great ideas to use or adapt with their own students. In addition, "Kids Taking Action" presents a helpful resource list and practical tips on how to find and implement CSL projects. ... Read more

Book Description

Spanning two centuries, reaching virtually every corner of the globe, the epic story of the Hadassah organization is the inspiring and fascinating history of generations of determined women who worked to heal, enlighten, educate and save lives. It Takes a Dream…The Story of Hadassah, by Marlin Levin, is an abridged version of the massive updated history of Hadassah, which first made an appearance at the 1997 Hadassah convention in Chicago.

Including a foreword by Elie Wiesel and a preface by former Israeli Prime Minister, the late Golda Meir, It Takes a Dream begins in the early days of the twentieth century, when the Jewish population of Jerusalem was enduring very difficult living conditions, and suffering disease and hardship. It was in this setting that the renowned and beloved founder of Hadassah, Henrietta Szold, became inspired to help improve the lives and health of Jerusalem’s Jews. Henrietta Szold was to become one of the most dedicated, inspirational and well-known Jewish women of the twentieth century, spawning the Hadassah organization, and creating a strong, unified body of women throughout the United States, and later, the world, committed to Zionism, Jewry and of course, Jerusalem.

Author Marlin Levin tells the story of Hadassah in intricate detail, highlighting the ways in which the history of Hadassah is entwined in the history of Jerusalem. Through war, triumph, building and rebuilding, from Hadassah Hospital at Mount Scopus, to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem, from the early pioneering days of the State of Israel, to the 1990s, and a more global focus, the story of Hadassah is, too, the story of world Jewry, of Zionism, of Israel and of Jerusalem. ... Read more

Book Description

This timely compilation features 365 simple actions people can take to change the world, one day - or even five minutes - at a time. Each suggested action, in 16 "helping" categories, can be started and finished in a day or less, and none requires a cash donation. Readers may choose to accomplish a different altruistic step each day of the year, activate the same tool every day, or take actions that address a personally favored issue, such as animal welfare, or the pursuit of peace. Possibilities for compassionate service include acting as driver for a battered women's shelter, planting trees or a garden at a schoolyard, recycling running shoes into a playground surface, taking a day off from consumerism, aiding low-income students in finding grants and scholarships, helping unemployed workers put together resumes, and much more. ... Read more

Book Description

Fabio Ausenda has masterfully prepared three volunteer guides to help those who wish to help others. Each book lists hundreds of organizations from all over the world. A summary of each organization is detailed with a description of each program, contact information, cost, duration, how to apply, and much more.

Whether your interests lie in environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, or archaeology, these books will provide you with an abundance of options. Volunteering opportunities of all kinds are included, including short-term volunteering (one to three weeks) and long term (one month, a year, or more). One will not find guides more definitive or informative.
... Read more

Book Description

Some volunteer efforts are less successful than they could be because those in charge don't know the principles of volunteer management.Others are not successful because those in leadership don't exercise their leadership capacities.This book, by an experienced and thoughtful community leader, focuses on the important marriage of leadership and management skills that inspires consequential, results-oriented volunteer efforts.It will help directors of volunteers, executive directors, presidents of boards, chairpersons of committees, ad-hoc volunteer efforts and councils, as well as mayors and other public officials, to find ways to be more effective in mobilizing the people who can make a difference in their communities. ... Read more

Book Description

How do you motivate the volunteers on your staff? Are you "burning out" your best people? What can you do with the pew-sitters? Do you find it hard to ask for help? This insightful, practical book by Marlene Wilson, an international authority on volunteerism, will help you answer these and other questions about volunteers in the church. Problems in any church's volunteer program can be corrected, says Wilson. We can learn to care as much about people as we do about programs by using sound principles for human resource management. This new book for all churches points out common problems, establishes management principles, answers questions, and offers a plan to turn the volunteer challenge into a reality. ... Read more

Book Description

Fourth in the Conari Press Call to Action series, this volume profiles 30 amazing young people who have overcome great personal odds to reach out and help others. First-person accounts include an amputee running in the Paralympics; the son of a cancer patient creating support groups for kids with sick parents; a girl who helped her mother and younger sister as they died of AIDS and who is now an AIDS awareness and prevention volunteer; and one of the students from the Littleton, Colorado, shooting who has created a teen drop-in center. With their stories, these remarkable teens take us to the depths of their struggles and the heights of their newfound sense of purpose and peace. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Compelling
This book is amazing. Every story brought tears to my eyes. Every single young adult (some are probabally adults by now) is amazing in their own way. I can't wait to see more of Mrs. Waldman's work! You have to read this book to realize that not every teen in America is on their way down, to a life on the streets. Many people think all teens are bad news...read this it will change your mind. I wish all kids in america were like these amazing kids

Read "Teens" and Renew Your Faith in America's Youth
The stories of the 30 teens who contributed to this book by Jackie Waldman truly inspired and moved me. Their courage to reach beyond their own personal pain and give to others is nothing short of heroic.Our country is in good hands with young people like these contributing and getting involved. If you have children, teens or pre-teens, this book should be required reading. Thank you Jackie for sharing their stories with us. I would also recommend Jackie's first book "The Courage to Give" and look forward to any follow-up books that she may have in the works. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

An exciting, powerful, and sound alternative to the personal, social, ecological, and economic violence plaguing our world, COLLABORATIVE SPUNK empowers ordinary people to become "leaderful" and co-create joyful, just, and viable communities wherever they are "planeted." Readers will discover they can have fun and find meaning in the process. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Practical, yet challenging
Collaborative Spunk: The Feisty Guide for Reviving People and Our Planet is an ideal guide for people like me, who care deeply about the state of our planet. I have often felt frustrated because it seems like the efforts of one individual cannot be enough to reverse the downward ecological, economic, and socio-political spiral in which we've been trapped. This book, by combining solid scientific principles with collaboration on a grassroots level, provides us with a way forward that can work. I strongly recommend it to anyone who truly wants to 'make a difference'.

great book
This book should be read by anyone interested in sustainability. The author has an interesting perspective on development and is highly recommended.

Zesty, go-getting and highly recommended
Collaborative Spunk: The Feisty Guide For Reviving People And Our Planet by Cultural Creative Coach A. Gayle Hudgens is an impressive and "reader friendly" guide to harnessing personal energy as well as the energy of co-workers or collaborators for maximum drive and efficiency. A variety of invaluable tips, tricks, and techniques for improving personal coaching skills, getting into synch with the framework surrounding personal life situations, revitalizing personal energy for mental and emotional growth, and much, much more are deftly covered in this zesty, go-getting and highly recommended self-help, self-improvement guide. ... Read more

Book Description

FINALIST, HUBERT EVANS NON-FICTION PRIZE

The Door is Open is a compassionate, reflective, and informative memoir about three-and-a-half years spent volunteering at a skid row drop-in centre in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. In an area most renowned for its shocking social ills, and the distinction of holding the country's "very poorest forward sortation area of all 7,000 postal prefixes," Bart Campbell dismantles our hard-held notions about poverty, the disenfranchised, substance abuse, and the nature of charity. The Door is Open is the story of one transformative journey through the complicated and complex world of poverty. ... Read more