Enhancing Inclusion in Volunteer Workforces

Schools, corporations and volunteer centers all send individuals and groups to perform volunteer service. In doing so, they have control over who is included and excluded in these activities. Encouraging volunteer-sending organizations to pay more attention to underrepresented groups in volunteering may help create a more inclusive volunteer workforce. This Research to Practice by reviewer Laurie Mook presents a study that explored ways in which volunteer-sending organizations might enhance volunteer inclusion beyond dominant status groups. Based on an analysis of qualitative interviews and literature, the researchers propose several strategies to connect with those less likely to volunteer. The article also discusses the relevance of this study for volunteer resource managers in volunteer-receiving organizations.