But did you ever stop to wonder how volunteers actually accomplish so much? As someone recently pointed out to me, we sometimes have the perception that volunteers and volunteerism just happen. They don't. Someone needs to manage them, and the programmes in which they participate.  Read article

New York, USA: Volunteer vacation is becoming more popular in recent years,  experts say, particularly since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks and the Southeast Asian tsunami in December 2004. People want to do more than just give money.   Read article

More and more professionals in their 30s and 40s are taking a career break to volunteer. Study shows that an estimated six million people in the UK have quit their jobs to travel around the world and "recharge their batteries" in recent years.  Read article

California, USA: The idea of volunteering in the community is often appealing to many. Unfortunately, finding the time and researching where one's skills would best be used often places the idea on the back burner. The holiday season is great time to get involved in the community and put those good intentions to work.   Read article

Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2006 Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service, a nonprofit internship and academic program for undergraduate students, at the Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., US. This dynamic program is intended for students who are involved in volunteer activities and are excited about exploring professional opportunities in the non-profit sector. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2006.  Visit site

As the television bombards us with images of the devastation caused by disasters, we may feel compelled to act. We may be inclined to send clothes, or shoes, or blankets—to offer whatever help we can. But, the reality is that when a major disaster occurs, these kinds of contributions are not always the most beneficial.  Read article

A fact sheet from InterAction with terrific tips on the most appropriate ways we can help disaster victims in other countries.   Visit site

When a major disaster occurs, contributions of clothes, or shoes, or blankets are not always the most beneficial for the survivors. This “Guide to Giving” offers some options to donate effectively.  Visit site

Kolkata, India: Changemakers.net, in partnership with the Fritz Institute, has launched a global search for the best, innovative strategies for meeting disasters wherever and whenever they occur. Submit your entry by 22 November.  Read article

Toronto, Canada: Imagine Canada has announced the publication of the Voluntary Sector Awareness Project's (VSAP) discussion paper, Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts (in PDF). The project’s partners – eight national organizations of Canada – invite you to read the document (available in English and French) and to provide your feedback to the project staff via telephone, fax or mail, or by using its online feedback form.    Read article