Abstract
Youth development programs are varied and diverse. Some rely on paid staff to deliver programming, but many rely on volunteers. While there is quite a bit of research on volunteers and volunteerism in general, there is little that goes in depth covering the nuances of volunteers in youth development organizations. The editors of this special issue introduce the articles, which cover themes of understanding the impacts of volunteers, volunteer competencies and skill development, support and motivation of volunteers, and evaluation of programs. In addition, a book review and a closing reflection are included. Finally, the editors close with their thoughts about exciting directions for the future of volunteer development research and practice.
Highlights
Many youth-serving organizations rely on volunteers for the delivery of their program
Theories of positive youth development emphasize that adult leaders play a critical role in fostering thriving outcomes for youth
It is important to note that the needs of volunteers differ from those of the paid workforce
Summary
Many youth-serving organizations rely on volunteers for the delivery of their program. The literature base is more limited for volunteer development for youth-serving organizations. Recent work has highlighted the important role of context and relationship-building in developing positive outcomes for youth (Arnold, 2018).
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