This report details the purpose and development of a student volunteer program at the University of Florida which evolved from the idea that students who volunteered to serve as informal helpers would be an effective force in orienting freshman students. (Author)

Discusses the use of school volunteers and their importance in providing valuable support for the instructional program of a school system. (Author/GB)

This report on the use of paraprofessionals in the counseling center suggests that the undergraduate paraprofessional may be the most effective agent for the delivery of certain student services. (JC)

Actual appeals for help were used as stimuli to determine behavioral correlates of different attitudes toward the disabled held by persons in different occupational groups. Rates of those volunteering assistance showed students who had previous experience in contacts with disabled persons responding at a higher rate than those with no previous…

The principal of DeLand (Florida) Junior High School describes a system which has been successful in overcoming apathy toward his student council. (Editor)

Questionnaires were completed by 46 attendants on the work habits of 301 student helpers working with severely mentally handicapped persons. (Author)

Discusses how parents can get their children to volunteer for community services, examining how volunteerism benefits children, how to choose a volunteer activity, and how to get children involved (e.g., having the parents serve as role models). Two sidebars focus on whether fund-raising teaches children about giving and how service-learning…

Advantages of using home economics students as tutors for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) include providing a core of volunteers for ESL programs, use of the school as a site for the classes, reinforcement of the understanding of home economics, increased understanding of students' own and other cultures, and experience as a volunteer. (JOW)

Discusses the importance of students learning to make a difference in the community. Until recently, young people had many real responsibilities, but now, such opportunities do not occur naturally. The article examines what parents and schools can do to encourage youth service in the home, school, and community. (SM)

A survey of 759 college students (260 of whom were community service participants) and interviews with 42 community volunteers suggest that students engaged in community volunteer activities were motivated more by personal concerns, such as acquiring experience, than by broader social/political commitments. Many students derive satisfaction from…

Describes the SerVermont initiative, an innovative volunteer program for high school students supported neither by state legislation nor public funds. It came into being through a nationally recognized service-learning expert's willingness to work closely with the governor, the state education commissioner, superintendents, and community agencies…

Research and experience has shown that allowing children and youth to feel that they are contributing members of their communities, they are less likely to exhibit rebellious or delinquent behaviors. Describes three model programs that employ the principle of generosity as a key component of interventions for troubled children and youth.…

Reports on the Community College of Baltimore County's (Maryland) service learning program for diversity education, which is unique to American community colleges. States that students and faculty members spent two weeks in Belize, establishing a summer camp program for children to develop English skills. Asserts that volunteers benefited from the…

Reports on a survey of youth from two high schools regarding their attitudes towards service. Findings suggest that they had somewhat positive attitudes toward service and believed their participation as volunteers was essential for resolving social problems. Of the youth not participating in service activities, the majority reported that they did…