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Published: 8 months ago
Size: 1B
Too many politicians, commentators, academics, and the general public are unable to recognize that a giant part of the volunteer world is unpaid service on behalf of government, especially at the state and local level. In this podcast, Susan talks about this topic which has surfaced in the American presidential campaign, and considers why this issue is at the heart of our political, social and economic future.

Published: 9 months ago
Size: 7.5MB
There's some real breaking news this month's podcast. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued an Executive Order creating a new position in his Cabinet: Secretary of Service and Volunteering! What might this mean for California and for the rest of the United States (and the world)? Susan offers some ideas and asks for yours.

Published: 10 months ago
Size: 9.2MB
What can the television show Numb3rs teach volunteer program managers? That the key to increased impact and less employee/volunteer tension is intentionally recruiting volunteers who are as unlike the paid staff as possible. How have you put unusual volunteer talents to work in your organization?

Published: 11 months ago
Size: 5.7MB
Did anyone at a holiday party last month ask the question, "So, what do YOU do?" How did you answer? When we state our profession of volunteer manageent to strangers, do we expect our identity to be valued or treated as interesting, or do we dread watching people's eyes glaze over? In this podcast, Susan plays with different ways to express our work – to find ways to startle, surprise, and educate those who don't really understand. The process is fun and revealing – and you can join in!

Published: 1 year ago
Size: 9.7MB
The recent oil spill in San Francisco Bay once again revealed the inexplicable lack of planning for spontaneous volunteers by government authorities. Offers of help from local community citizens were turned away, causing enough anger to warrant media coverage. In this podcast, Susan Ellis proposes that the medical concept of emergency triage offers a great model for volunteer management in a crisis. She describes tips on how a wide range of competent volunteers can be deployed effectively, if only someone is designated to do the coordination.