NCJ Number
136073
Date Published
1990
Length
52 pages
Annotation
These guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of a volunteer program are designed to help victim-service organizations recruit, and reward volunteers.
Abstract
The opening section discusses the need for volunteers, for volunteering, and for a design for voluntarism in a democracy. Principles and benefits for including a volunteer program as part of a total organization are then discussed. A section on the use of crime victims as volunteers in victim-service programs includes guidelines for the determination of whether or not a victim is prepared for a volunteer experience and whether the volunteer environment is suitable for the person. A checklist is provided to help volunteer organizations determine and prioritize volunteer needs. The checklist is intended to be used as a planning and organizing tool. Discussion of the challenges and advantages of volunteers are followed by consideration of the nourishment of appropriate volunteer motivation and the motivation of professionals to use volunteers. Guidelines are provided for the recruitment of volunteers, identification of the sources for volunteers. Other sections address the interview of prospective volunteers, the supervision of volunteers, volunteer training, recognition of volunteer achievements, the dismissing of a volunteer, and the identification of volunteer needs. Appended sample forms and announcements