Volunteer Programming for Environmental Education Centers
File(s)
Date
1987-08Author
Pfeiff, Miriam T.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The Development of Volunteer
Programs for Nature/Environmental
Centers
Nature centers and environmental
education-related facilities are often
understaffed and underbudgeted. One
method these centers have used to keep
up with the demand for their programs
is to organize and promote a volunteer
program, recruiting community members
to supplement the paid staff.
Even though the use of volunteers
has increased, there is little written
material available on volunteers at
nature/environmental centers. A 1979
study in New York (Guzewich) showed
that 70% of the centers surveyed used
volunteers for jobs ranging from
teaching to maintenance and clerical
work. Of those centers not currently
using volunteers, 79% felt a need for
a volunteer program. It is assumed
that if center directors believe
volunteers are important to their
program, it would be beneficial for
them to know more about how to recruit
and retain volunteers. .
By collecting information through
both a literature review and a
questionnaire mailed to nature centers
throughout the nation that have
volunteer programs, recommendations
regarding development of volunteer
programs have been made. Suggestions
on recruiting, training, motivation,
retaining, and evaluating volunteers
are included.