Study by Womens Way in Philadelphia shows how critical business skills, like problem solving, coaching/mentoring, and public speaking are developed and improved through volunteerism.
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When newspapers in England reported of serious breaches of trust between volunteers and their organisations in 2009, Volunteering England was prompted to set up the Volunteer Rights Inquiry to begin to understand the nature and scope of the problems experienced by volunteers and identify suitable remedies. This Interim Report goes into detail about the findings of the intensive set of hearings held. In 2014, a Final report of the Call to Action Progress Group following the Volunteer Rights Inquirywas produced by NCVO.
The Community Tool Box offers over 7,000 free pages of practical guidance on essential skills for building healthy communities for people working to make a difference. The resources are organized by: 1) Learn a Skill (training in specific skills of community work); 2) Plan the Work (Toolkits outline tasks, examples, and supports for 16 core competencies); 3) Solve a Problem ("Troubleshooting Guides" for common challenges, questions for analysis, and links); 4) Use Promising Approaches (Evidence, examples, and links); and 5) Connect with Others (Learn from others by asking an advisor and finding other online resources).
By Patrick Daniels, UK-based volunteer and international activist. The blog's tag line: "Notes on thinking and research about the development of volunteering."
A "social network for volunteers" that "helps volunteers find volunteer opportunities they’re passionate about in their local community and beyond, log volunteer hours, communicate with friends and create a volunteer resume. Volunteer managers at nonprofits, schools, alumni associations and businesses can use GiveGab to create and manage events, promote their programs, recruit volunteers, track volunteer hours and report on all the good they’re doing in their communities." Offer many free resources as well as paid services.
Portal and search site providing information for volunteering overseas through a variety of organizations. See http://www.volunteerinternational.org/resources.html for an excellent list of other Web sites dealing with volunteering abroad.
International Volunteerism Resource Center from Idealist.org
USA Today's "daily source of inspiration and guide to making a difference in fresh and exciting ways," giving individuals the chance to share the volunteer service they do on a Kindness forum.
Innovative site that assists in "organizing local gatherings about anything, anywhere." This free service also enable "volunteerists" to get together to plan community service projects ( http://volunteerism.meetup.com ).
Organization helping travelers to pack 5 pounds of needed supplies and deliver them to community-based organizations around the world. Slogan: "Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact."
A blog for those interested in integrating the pro bono ethic into their careers — giving their time and talent to strengthen nonprofit organizations. Part of the Taproot Foundation site.
"ServiceSpace was conceived by volunteers, was built by volunteers, and is run by volunteers -- all for the benefit of volunteers. Our projects range from a daily positive news service, to an acts-of-kindness portal, to a gift-economy restaurant." The blog is an exchange of reflections among volunteers about inspiration and service.
Online scheduling site VolunteerSpot's blog shares ideas, tips and best practices for informal volunteer leaders about improving the volunteer experience, fundraising and streamlining volunteer coordination.
"Your starting place for learning more about and finding great volunteer opportunities around the globe" -- with various articles about volunteering in general.
Video of a 2014 TEDxUOttawa talk (11 minutes) by Tuan Nguyen, a young Canadian philanthropist and entrepreneur. Surviving death during his escape after the fall of Viet Nam in 1975, he sees the world from a lens of gratitude and has been the foundation for all his hopes, dreams, and vision. His stories demonstrates how volunteerism (mainly fundraising events) is the best platform for professional and personal development.
