There is a strong tradition of volunteerism in the United States that began with religious-affiliated organizations and local government councils. Today, a wide range of non-profit and government organizations provide a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from serving as board members and community educators in non-profit organizations to serving on local government boards and commissions. Volunteers are used to assist employers in meeting their agency’s mission, and thus become an important part of strategic human resource management and planning. These activities strengthen participants’ skills, broaden networking boundaries, and bring new meaning to their job. In turn, this benefits the organization in the form of increased employee engagement and retention.

For this Discussion, review this week’s Resources. Review Chapter 12 of Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations, focusing on the evolving workforce. Identify a government or non-profit organization and consider the role of volunteerism within this organization. Consider how volunteers are recruited and trained.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4
Post a brief description of a government or non-profit organization you are familiar with. Explain the role that volunteers play in government and non-profit organizations. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having volunteers in the organization. Describe the methods you would use to recruit and train volunteers.