Unaffiliated volunteers redux

Trish Snyder at Bloggingforacause dug up an old post by Ed Duke about "unaffiliated volunteers." She got a terriffic comment about the trend from another blogger, Dalene.

Unaffiliated volunteers is a trend absolutely consistent with the participatory nature of the intenet. They can get thing done quickly by using the net to organize others for a goal. And they’re going to do it on their own terms, not necessarily within the constraints of already existing organizations.

Volunteerism is Alive and Well

Thank you for your patience for my starting this series on Volunteerism.  I’ve been doing some volunteering of my own and just finished out our fiscal year and ready to share news and views on this topic.  We have seen our country become quite involved in the volunteer mode this past week after the devastation from hurricane Katrina.  People are so dedicated to helping others during times of crisis and it is our hope that they continue throughout their lifetime volunteering.  Everyone has their special places to volunteer and our dedication to defeating cancer has kept us truly committed these past years.

After just recently reading the June 5 issue of Non Profit Times , I would like to share some of the fine ideas of Susan J. Ellis who writes on volunteerism in many of their issues.  She offers a "starter set" of some 8 volunteerism-specific values that include: " Voluntary participation is vital to making communities work; Equal respect is due to work that is volunteered and work that is paid; Volunteer involvement balances three perspectives and sets of rights; Volunteering is an exchange in which both the recipient of services and the giver benefit; Volunteering is an equalizer; Volunteers have the right to be mavericks; Volunteering is a strategy for getthing things done; and Volunteering is a political act."  Be sure to read this complete article that covers thoughts on each of these values.  Are  you in agreement? What do you believe about volunteering?  Did this article spark some discussion that you would share with us?

Other News:  We know that the Boomers are coming of retirement age and information in the Marin Independent Journal lets us know that a new book entitled " Giving from your Heart" was written by Guy Lampard and Bob Rosenberg is something you will want to read.  They are both recent retirees that have dubbed this a book for "active agers", and is full of practical guidelines on how to begin your new time of life volunteering to give back to others. 

The book has been endorsed by former Presidents George H.W. Bush, a volunteer through his Point of Light Foundation, and Jimmy Carter, who has been very active with Habitat for Humanity.  There was a book reading and signing on September 6th at the Book Passage in Corte Madera, California.  I’m sure they have a few copies on hand if you give them a call (415-927-0960) or your favorite book store.