Book Description

Are you tired of spending too much energy recruiting new members?Is your core group of active members ready to burn out?Are you tired of hearing the people have "no time" to get involved?If you answered, "YES!" to any of these questions, you need to speand an hour with thie book -- and watch your numbers soar!

Leadership Coach Cynthia D'Amour, author of How to Turn Generation Me into Active Members of Your Association created this companion book to help you recruit Generation Me. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Building Strong Organizations
D'Amour has done it again. With this book she builds upon "How to Turn Generation Me into Active Members of Your Association" and shows us how to recruit new members and keep them involved and satisfied enough to retain them. Her series is exemplary. I look forward to her next book.

Super Book For Volunteer Leaders
Cynthia does a marvelous job of describing how to recruit members for a volunteer organization. Leaders of any civic organization or group that depends upon volunteer participation should have this book as a resource. Accepting the fact that in today's world we are most interested in "What's In It For Me" Cynthia leads the reader through a well-planned, thoughtful and most helpful process in identifying potential volunteer members, identifying the person's "hot button" or reason they would attach to the organization and how to make sure the organization uses each volunteer in such a way as to keep them interested and active. I have read this book several times and each time it reveals new ideas for me to employ. ... Read more

Book Description

Susan Ellis has literally crammed this book with everysuggestion and recommendation on the subject of recruitment developedover her 20-plus years in the volunteer management field.She firstshows how to design the best assignments for volunteers as the initialstep to finding the most qualified people.What follows is a wealth ofinformation on topics ranging from how your organization's imageaffects your success in recruitment to where to look for newvolunteers, including your own backyard. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Somewhat Dated, Some Nuggets

This book (acutally an 8.5 by 11 manual), originally published in 1994 and based on 1980's readings, is somewhat dated and has been only marginally updated. It falls into the second rank of the four books that made the cut from among the many available. Helen Little's "Volunteers: How to Get Them, How to Keep Them" stands alone as the single "must buy." This book is co-equal to two others, each recommended as supplementary reading because each has something to offer at a secondary level: Sue Vineyard and Steve McCurley's "Best Practices for Volunteer Programs" and Jarene Frances Lee with Julai M. Catagnus, "Supervising Volunteers: An Action Guide for Making Your Job Easier."

There are two aspects of this manual by Susan Ellis that I did not see in the other books: first, her emphasis on casting a wide net and reaching as many potential volunteers as possible....("Most people do not say 'no'; they simply never knew you wanted them to say 'yes'.) While I am skeptical of wasteful advertising programs in this time of diminishing leisure hours, there is something to this. The other vital chapter that this manual offers is the one addressing the importance of image, i.e. the public perception of the organization seeking volunteers, the reputation that it can specifically draw on as a resource.

There are a few flakey notes (e.g. one vignette about recruiting people to call parents and offer support as they are getting kids out the door to school. Any normal parent, especially if one parent is absent or has an early work start, would be furious at any volunteer daring to call in the midst of the chaos that charactizes getting three kids out the door to three different bus pick-up times.)

This manual does have an index. Bottom line: dated, some nuggets, if volunteers are vital to your success, worth getting.

Invite, don't plead!
The Volunteer Recruitment (And Membership Development) Book by volunteer recruitment expert Susan Ellis is a straightforward and practical guide to successfully finding and recruiting volunteers for non-profit organizations and other causes and movements. Chapters cover recruitment techniques (invite, don't plead!), appealing to target audiences, where to look for volunteers and much more. The Volunteer Recruitment Book is an absolutely useful "must-read" for anyone charged with the responsibility of finding -- and keeping -- new volunteers!

Good advice for volunteer and membership recruitment
Ms. Ellis's book provides a lot of good advice. As the current president of a volunteer run professional organization, I started reading her book looking for ways to recruit more people to serve on our board or in our volunteer role and run the nominations process more effectively. I ended up with ideas about that, but also possibly more importantly it prompted me to spend a lot of time thinking about how our group presents itself to the public, to it's members, and what we do. In other words, it prompted me to think about our group on more strategic levels.

Ms. Ellis strategy is to have you think about what you want to acocmplish before soliciting volunteers, and also to think about how your group can push it's boundaries and think creatively about who it's members are, who it's constituents are, and untapped resources for volunteers. I mention members a lot, because a lot of what she says could transfer to either kinds of recruitment, depending on your need.

A lot of the volunteer information is a little more oriented towards groups that need or could use lot of volunteers (say a social services group, or hospital). But a small group like ours which is all volunteer run, can also benefit from this book.

Good advice for volunteer or membership recruitment
Ms. Ellis's book provides a lot of good advice. As the current president of a volunteer run professional organization, I started reading her book looking for ways to recruit more people to serve on our board or in our volunteer role and run the nominations process more effectively. I ended up with ideas about that, but also possibly more importantly it prompted me to spend a lot of time thinking about how our group presents itself to the public, to it's members, and what we do. In other words, it prompted me to think about our group on more strategic levels.

Ms. Ellis strategy is to have you think about what you want to acocmplish before soliciting volunteers, and also to think about how your group can push it's boundaries and think creatively about who it's members are, who it's constituents are, and untapped resources for volunteers. I mention members a lot, because a lot of what she says could transfer to either kinds of recruitment, depending on your need.

A lot of the volunteer information is a little more oriented towards groups that need or could use lot of volunteers (say a social services group, or hospital). But a small group like ours which is all volunteer run, can also benefit from this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Written for driven individuals, this manual shows how to get the happiness and satisfaction that most people do not find in their regular jobs and activities through volunteering and service to others. This guide teaches that achieving self-understanding before beginning a program of volunteer work offers the chance for even greater inner happiness and satisfaction than volunteering "because everyone in the office is doing it." This thought-provoking guide shows volunteers that they are doing more than improving the community around them-they are improving themselves as well. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An exceptional book
This is a wonderful book that reinforces what we already know: that it is our duty to help those less fortunate than us. The rewards are multiple, the joys of volunteerism are immense. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to make a positive impact in the world in which they live. You dont have to be larger than life to perform minor miracles in the lives of those less fortunate.

For everyone who cares about this country.
This slender, easy-to-read softback explains "How To Achieve Deep-Down Satisfaction and Create That Desire in Other." The book is dedicate "to the individual and organizations that demonstrate daily what Americanism is all about." This book relates that self-help and individual action are qualities that made this country. They are also the qualities that will save it, Bennett believes.
"Our biggest challenge today is to discover and explore deep-down satisfaction. We must be properly grounded," the author says. We must learn to share; not be so self-centered Words on paper can start an idea but "it will always be the group meeting face-to-face that gets things done."
The idea, prevalent today in our materialistic society, is that if one donates money that is all that's necessary; that it solves problems. The solution to problems is the same as it's always been, this book says - people helping other people. You cannot become successful without sharing with others.
This is a most interesting book to read. First, it talks about "you." And everyone loves to hear about himself. But it also stresses "you" in conjunction with others. That is what makes the difference, Bennett says, in one's being happy and successful and satisfied..
Everyone who cares about this country should read this book and think on the propositions it sets forth. In the very beginning of the book, Robert W. Miller, President of the Freedoms Foundation, is quoted. He says, "America was built into the greatest country the world has ever known, not through government control, regulation and handouts, bot rather through individual imagination and initiative. It has been the individual and not government that built this nation, and it will be the individual that will save it for future generations."

"Virginia's Bookshelf" by Virginia Sink

Filled with snappy quotes and upbeat wisdom
Charles Bennett's Volunteering: The Selfish Benefits, Achieve Deep-Down Satisfaction and Create That Desire In Others is a motivational manual to doing lasting good works and reaping the emotional and self-esteem rewards. Filled with snappy quotes and upbeat wisdom, chapters of Volunteering: The Selfish Benefits cover how volunteer work can bring personal rewards in terms of increased satisfaction and happiness which in turn contribute to better physical and psychological health. a persuasive, highly charged and energetic book and highly recommended for personal, public service organization, private philanthropic society, and public library collections. ... Read more

Book Description

The Kindness of Strangers tells the story of a group of concerned adults who mentor inner-city youth. It describes what volunteers can do to ameliorate the conditions of young people living in poverty. It chronicles the rise of the mentoring movement and examines its wider implications for education and social policy. Based on interviews with over 300 mentors, young people, scholars, and youth workers, The Kindness of Strangers takes a hard look at mentoring and asks some critical questions: How much can mentoring really accomplish? What does it take to be a successful mentor? What makes the difference between an effective program and one fraught with difficulties? Marc Freedman brings experience, research, and realism to these questions in an effort to present the truth about the mentoring movement sweeping America today. This revised edition contains a new introduction that highlights research that has been conducted since the original publication of the book in 1993. Marc Freedman is President of Civic Ventures, a research and development organization based in Berkeley, California. He has studied education and social policy for more than a decade and prior to starting Civic Ventures he was director of special projects for Public/Private Ventures, an organization focused on helping young people in poverty. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Beware of ignorant reviewers
Just a note, having read the other reviews I would like to note that whoever claimed that the Peace Corps is non-political, yet at the same time a governmental organization is a fool.

Pay to volunteer
I'm currently a college senior and I bought this book hoping to find opportunities to work/volunteer overseas after graduation. I was disappointed to find that many of the organizations listed in the book require payment to be able to volunteer. Most program costs are quite expensive. The book is also not well-organized -- organizations are only alphabetized, not categorized in terms of project interests or even short-term versus long-term volunteering. Many organizations listed also have religious affiliations. I agree with others that there needs to be alternative to the Peace Corps. Unfortunately, I don't think such alternatives can be found in this book.

why there need to be alternatives to the peace corps
This book is great. Here's why.

People may question why there need to be alternatives to the Peace Corps. In my opinion, this is such an self-centered and ignorant view to take. There are many people in the world who are not American -- and thus cannot be in the Peace Corps. Or AmeriCorps or whatnot. I'm one of those many people -- I'm Canadian. What am I supposed to do to have as great a time as the Peace Corps volunteers? The book gives a lot of descriptions of opportunities for me. On top of this, only 3,000 of 100,000 in the Peace Corps are placed internationally every year; people who desire to go overseas would be advised to research other options. The book also focuses on the overseas aspect. Working with other volunteer programs also keeps the volunteer market competitive -- only so many people can be placed by the Peace Corps, it is good to provide so many other people with fulfilling volunteer work. I thought this book laid out the opportunities very well and clearly, though perhaps even more resources would've been helpful.

To me there is no alternative
It had some interesting opportunities in it, but after having served in the U.S. Peace Corps myself I wonder who would write a book of alternatives to it. Peace Corps is a non political, non religious, governmental organization that provides skilled professionals to countries that request volunteers and promotes a better understanding of American abroad and that foreign cultures when the volunteer returns home. They do a tremendous amount of good in the world, you also get top notch language and cultural training, get to work with other dedicated humanitarians and get the chance to make friends with a people you would never ordinarily have had a chance in your life to meet. To me there is no alternative.

Alternatives to the Peace Corps
Do you feel like helping out, but don't want to be a political pawn with the Peace Corps? Don't get me wrong, the Peace Corps do a lot of good work, but they are subject to the machinations of the US government. This little book is a great reference to other organizations, who do similar work without the government interference. Some of the groups are religious, some are not, and some are religious, but you don't have to be the same religion. It gives contact info, a brief summary of their purpose. ... Read more

Book Description

An indispensable guide to the spiritual and the practical aspects of devoting one’s time and energies to the service of others.

Deliberate Acts of Kindness is for people who are ready to supplement"random acts of kindness" with intentional acts of generosity, decency, and integrity. More than simply a handbook for volunteers, it explores the significance of service as an expression of spirituality and the commitment to something greater than oneself.

Meredith Gould guides readers through their journeys, from recognizing when they are ready to answer the call to service to finding the right place to donate their time and talents. She offers invaluable advice on discovering the types of work that best suit their personalities and the areas in which they can make the greatest contributions. There is helpful information on how to get involved, as well as sensible suggestions about what to do when things go wrong in a service situation.

An easy-to-read mix of tips, quotations, reflections, and short narrative passages, Deliberate Acts of Kindness presents a comprehensive, honest look at what service is like on a day-to-day basis. Its insights will help new volunteers and veterans alike negotiate the practical difficulties that sometimes arise and achieve the spiritual maturity that comes from answering the call to service.


... Read more

Reviews (4)

Answering the Call
A thoughtful, *funny* look at service as a spiritual practice! How many authors would write about being "tenderized" after a total meltdown of mind, body and spirit? Or gently remind you to listen for the "call waiting" of service? No pious prose here. But lots of gentle, tender, thoughtful help along your own way-- from recognizing the beep from your higher self to making sure that service stays within healthy boundaries to tips to fight burnout. A great book for anyone exploring commitment or already involved with a cause.

What the World Needs Now
WONDERFUL!! The world needs this now more than ever! Good stuff about boundaries, and levels of service, and how it figures in religious traditions, as well as how to figure out whether the alleged call is of the heart or of the mind.

Reading this has helped me sort out intriguing doubts and questions I've been having about some of the service I've seemed called to lately. I got both clarity and affirmation from this wise guidance that I'll not only use myself, but to help coach clients.

What's more, the material is beautifully organized, and expressed with the delightful, tongue-in-cheek irreverent and eminently readable wisdom that is Gould's trademark as a writer.

Hey! I'm the author...
And there's some stuff I want you to know about me and my book.

First, if you know anything about book publishing, you know that it's like elephant gestation. IOW, it normally takes at least two years before a book *idea* makes it into print. I'm telling you this because I happen to think it is very cosmically weird that I proposed this book *way* before the horrific events of 9/11/01.

This leads neatly to my next point: I'm a sociologist by education and training,which certainly led me to suspect that service would be the Next Big Important Thing after decades of unrelenting "Me" focus. Especially among aging Baby Boomers like moi.

As for identifying service as a spiritual practice, I credit years of traipsing the path to spirit and...well...I explain more in the "Foreword."

I hope you enjoy reading my book and that it inspires you to get involved in--or deepen your existing--service to others.

"Finding My Place According to Meredith Gould"
From the tzedakah of Judaism to St. Benedict to Buddhism's dana and Hinduism's seva, Meredith Gould highlights the significance of good works in all spiritual/religious traditions.

This is a very nifty--and practical--book! She holds our hands as she guides us along the journey of doing good--the upside and what she calls the "shadow side of service." She teaches us when and how to say yes or no, how to manage volunteer assigments, and even how to recognize burnout and what to do about it.

She writes with great and gentle humor, warning newcomers to community work of booby traps they may trip over while on the path to kindness and self-fulfillment.

This is a tips book for people who seek to aid their communities in any way they can and for people, already active volunteers, who wish to probe further into what they and their organizations can accomplish.

What a treasure. ... Read more

Book Description

"Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector is a 'must-read' for anyone seriously interested in the near-term future of philanthropy." --Philanthropy Monthly

A useful addition to the libraries of researchers on the third sector. --Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

What is the future of philanthropy in a changing America? This volume of agenda-setting essays suggests how philanthropy and the nonprofit sector might respond to a society which is seeing not only the devolution of federal programs to the state and local levels, but also the blurring of lines between nonprofit and for-profit organizations, globalization, tax and other regulatory reform, and the rise of privatization and market models, among other sea changes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Free Food For Everyone!
This is an excellent book, detailing this group (Food Not Bombs, which grew from a small anti-nuke collective into a decentralised international organization, with autonomous chapters throughout the world. This book is an indispensable resource for challenging capitalism, through the direct redistribution of food. Includes stories of specific actions, recipes, and clip art. Try to find this book through a small independent bookstore, not a ultra capitalistic dot-com. Don't buy into consumerism, get involved! "The Revolution Will Be Catered!" ... Read more

Book Description

The joy of giving enriches the giver.Here are steps anyone can take to help themselves and the world.Great tool for fundraisers and nonprofit organizations. ... Read more

Book Description

This motivational and inspirational book empowers Americans with ways we can ALL make a difference through large and small changes in our attitudes and actions. It suggests ways to strengthen the individuals, families, communities, and institutions that make up our great country, and ways to build upon the unified spirit so prevalent in the United States today. It suggests various activities that bring families, neighbors, and co-workers closer together. It delivers a powerful message: EACH OF US CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Find out what YOU can do. $1 from each book is being donated to charity. This book is a "must read" for every American who is wondering how he can make a difference and anyone in need of a little inspiration. It offers something for everyone and clearly shows that EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER OUR COUNTRY. Written in an easy to read style, it is appropriate for various ages and educational levels. It is perfect for the whole family to read together and makes a great gift. Give a gift of national spirit, inspiration, and empowerment to someone you love and give a gift to charity at the same time. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Highly Recommended
I would recommend this book for anyone. I liked it so much that I gave it to my friends, my daughter and her husband, and my grandchildren. I think it is beneficial for children, as well as adults, because it shows how people should think, act, and be. It is an easy and upbeat read.

Great Book!
Reminds us to always do the right thing and encourages us to do more. Light, easy-to-read, and inspiring. You'll want to share this one with other people, although you won't want to let go of your copy.

Dedicated to those who perished in the September 11 attacks
Dedicated to those who perished in the September 11 attacks, as well as those who survived them, 100 Ways To Strengthen & Unify Our Country by Jenniffer Lee is a straightforward and inspiring book of one hundred simple, practical, effective, commonplace and extraordinary things American can do to bolster our nation. From volunteering one's time to a community cause, to reviving the family dinner, to donating books/magazines, to offering a smile, the simple ideas in this book challenge the reader to change his or her life and daily behavior so the nation and the world will prosper in peace, freedom, and unity. A highly recommended collection of powerful and moving thoughts, and to demonstrate the intent of its author, $1.00 per sale of each copy of 100 Ways To Strengthen & Unify Our Country will be donated to charity.

A Wonderful Little Book
This inspirational book suggests 100 simple ways in which we can improve civility in our society and render assistance to our fellow man, and most can easily be incorporated into our common everyday routines. The reward for these simple acts of kindness will return happiness to you by 100 fold. These nuggets are also excellent points to teach the children in your life.

An excellent and useful book!
This is a very helpful book for all those that are looking for some way to make a difference. You don't have to go out and do something huge to make a difference. Give someone a few cents if they're short in the checkout line, especially if it's a child. Say hello to someone. Wish a teller, clerk, cashier, etc a good day with a smile. Tell someone they did a good job, or you like their necklace, shirt....

You get the idea.

This book is the right size to take with you on commutes, or to the dentist or doctor's office to read while in the waiting room.

It's a quick, easy read for those that like the feeling of accomplishment at having read a whole book somewhat quickly. It's a good book to read with your child, or let your child read to you. ... Read more

Book Description

Like its well-received predecessor, the latest edition of Community Policing features important, cutting-edge works by scholars, practitioners, and researchers concerning the vital issues surrounding community policing. The well-organized, contemporary articles--each insightful and thought-provoking--cover historical frameworks, current research perspectives, the experiences and strategies of practitioners, and the future of community policing. ... Read more

Book Description

to come ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

As mayor of Indianapolis, Stephen Goldsmith saw firsthand that urban renewal begins with residents claiming responsibility for the future of their neighborhoods.In "Putting Faith in Neighborhoods," Goldsmith explains how Indianapolis invented a national model for creating vibrant urban centers through encouraging citizenship and engaging of faith-based organizations. He argues that social pathologies are best confronted not by large programs administered by government, but by citizens actively engaged in making their communities safer, more compassionate and more productive. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Book
An excellent book for those interested in helping their communities. I would suggest that every mayor, governor, council person, etc. read this book!

Leadership
Steve Goldsmith shows us that the involvement of faith-based organizations in urban neighborhoods does not damage or infringe upon the relationship between church and state. Instead, he provides a logical argument for how local neighborhood churches can lead the process for neighborhood re-transformation. Often, it is the neighborhood church that provides the only symbol of hope for those in need, and the only resource for individuals who need support to overcome serious social problems. A must read for all urban mayors. Actually, a must read for all those who are trying to make a difference in urban neighborhoods.

Steven Goldsmith Review
This book provides tangible evidence that local citizens are best able to solve local problems. It also shows why neighborhood churches can play an important role in these efforts. The book is a quick read and can serve as a guide for people who want to get more involved in improving their communities.

It Takes a Neighborhood
Mr. Goldsmith obviously has an excellent grasp of what it takes to make a modern American city work. He does not lose sight of noble dreams and goals, yet manages to remain firmly rooted in the realities and challenges of urban life. He provides inspiration and hope to those who feel overwhelmed by the "bigness" of cities and government. He conveys the message that individuals do count and that they can make a difference, and even provides a blue print for how to organize the effort. The most important aspect of this book is that this guy is not simply espousing another theory. He's actually done it and seen it work! This book should be required reading for all mayors.

A road map to success
In his new book "Putting Faith in Neighborhoods," former Indianapolis Mayor Steven Goldsmith details the less visible but perhaps most valuable legacy of his administration: neighborhood renewal. As mayor, Mr. Goldsmith worked with grass roots organizations and neighborhood groups to find workable solutions to the nagging problems that often plague our cities. In this book Goldsmith outlines the steps that were so successful during his administration. I would recommend this book to any not-for- profit or community groups looking for a road map for making their own search for local solutions a success. ... Read more

Book Description

Speaking authoritatively for human development workers worldwide, Dave Huebsch presents a remarkable series of stories that will stir the hearts of readers with 78 sensational stories about the struggles of the powerless to rise from the crushing grip of poverty. It's a powerful and entertaining first-hand series of stories of the amazing people living in the mountain villages and their rise from poverty.

This book is a very human story about people at their best, despite their living in unbelievable conditions. It deals with dreams, and courage, and hard work... and eventual progress. Filled with surprises and insights, Village Assignment is a mosaic which explores the difference between illusion and reality. It listens to the cry of the poor and continually demonstrates dreams translated into a positive life experience.

Dave Huebsch, who turned away from the comfortable middle-class life in Minnesota for the poor mountain villages in Guatemala, now presents the world audience with his new book. It is a non-fiction adventure story, which peaks the interest and imagination of young and old readers alike. Its dramatic and humorous content inspires readers, and will change the vision for doing human development forever.

It is an insightful combination of the familiar and the unfamiliar, which will force the reader to reflect on the human elements of change and development, and understand the impact on real people in real places. Readers will see themselves everywhere in this page turner, which should be required reading for anyone sponsoring a child, supporting the poor, or desiring to be a volunteer themselves. ... Read more

Book Description

A complete handbook to help you build leadership skills...

A comprehensive guide, packed with invaluable information and easy-to-use worksheets and forms. Any non-profit organization, volunteer group, board, auxiliary, fraternal organization, social-service agency or club can use and adapt these forms to help their group achieve goals successfully.

Starting with the basics of leadership for management positions, you'll learn to achieve your goals and to inspire the best, most productive work from volunteers.

Discusses trends in voluntarism, who volunteers and why, community resources for training, guidelines and contacts.

Learn how to conduct an effective meeting, establish goals, manage time, set priorities, create publicity and develop your career. Plus, how to:

-create unity within committees
-enhance motivation
-solve problems
-communicate effectively
-identify nonproductive behavior
-evaluate the group's effectiveness
-delegate responsibility
-develop commitment and involvement

Emily Morrison shares a wealth of experience gained from 30 years of personal volunteer work and research. She has spent the past 20 years consulting and conducting nationwide workshops to train other volunteers for successful leadership. This large format guide includes many useful forms that can be easily reproduced for your use. ... Read more