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No 2009:139:
Looking Beyond Traditional Volunteer Management: A Case Study of an Alternative Approach to Volunteer Engagement in Parks and Recreation

Martha L. Barnes and Erin K. Sharpe
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Martha L. Barnes: Brock University, Postal: Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
Erin K. Sharpe: Brock University, Postal: Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada

Abstract: In an era of declining volunteerism it is critical to examine alternative approaches to volunteer management that may better promote engagement and address common barriers to volunteering. Using a “best practices” Canadian case study approach, this research describes an alternative approach to volunteer engagement that emphasizes lifestyle integration, organizational informality and flexibility, and volunteer–agency collaboration. We suggest that traditional volunteer management structures may actually be hindering engagement and call instead for a more vocation-based, networked, and collaborative approach which affords greater autonomy to the volunteer and sees power being shared between agencies and volunteers.

Keywords: Volunteer management; Collaboration; Networking; Engagement; Volunteering; Parks and recreation; Canada

Language: English

18 pages, 2009

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RePEc:hhh:senior:2009_139 This page was generated 2009-11-02 09:56:59