an article by Louise Hardwick (University of Liverpool) published in Voluntary Sector Review Volume 9 Number 2 (July 2018)
Abstract
This article seeks to understand citizen advocacy as an outlying form of volunteering that has distinctive characteristics and implications for the ways in which volunteering is framed.
It does so by tracing the history of citizen advocacy, and exploring how its intention and exercise can be understood through Kant's enunciations on dignity. It further explores how this type of volunteering comes under specific pressure in a UK public policy regime, based on neoliberal rationality.
To assist in the analysis, the article draws on a study into the scale of and need for citizen advocacy in local communities. What emerges is that advocacy has fallen subject to pervasive market principles that erode recognition of its significance by reducing its value to that which is measurable, usually construed as short-term and outcomes-led interventions.
In this way, citizen advocacy has become subsumed into the scope of formal services.
Showing posts with label volunteering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteering. Show all posts
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
Tuesday, 24 April 2018
How Volunteering Can Help Your Mental & Physical Health
a post by Barbara R. Edwards for the World of Psychology blog
Many recent studies that have been done on volunteer work show how it’s connected to better health. Physical effects on the body, such as lowered blood pressure can be measured and impacted through helping others.
Though some of us are introverts, humans need social connection in order to survive and thrive. Helping others not only makes you feel good about yourself, but your actions have lasting effects on those you serve, which can be just as rewarding as knowing you’re contributing to your own self-improvement.
Continue reading
Many recent studies that have been done on volunteer work show how it’s connected to better health. Physical effects on the body, such as lowered blood pressure can be measured and impacted through helping others.
Though some of us are introverts, humans need social connection in order to survive and thrive. Helping others not only makes you feel good about yourself, but your actions have lasting effects on those you serve, which can be just as rewarding as knowing you’re contributing to your own self-improvement.
Continue reading
Wednesday, 31 January 2018
More Than a ‘Little Act of Kindness’? Towards a Typology of Volunteering as Unpaid Work
an article by Mihaela Kelemen and Anita Mangan (Keele University, UK) and Susan Moffat (New Vic Theatre, UK) published in Sociology Vol 51 Issue 6 (December 2017)
Abstract
Definitions of volunteering are widespread and complex, yet relatively little attention is given to volunteering as unpaid work, even though it intersects with the worlds of paid employment and the domestic sphere, cutting across individual/collective and public/private spaces.
This article advances a typology of volunteering work (altruistic, instrumental, militant and forced volunteering/‘voluntolding’) that illuminates the complexity and dynamism of volunteering.
Using qualitative data from a study of 30 volunteers to explore practices of volunteering as they unfold in daily life, the typology provides much-needed conceptual building blocks for a theory of ‘volunteering as unpaid work’.
This perspective helps transcend the binaries prevalent in the sociology of work and provides a lens to rethink what counts as work in contemporary society. It also invites further research about the effects of ‘voluntolding’ on individuals and society, and on the complex relationship between volunteering work and outcomes at a personal and collective level.
Abstract
Definitions of volunteering are widespread and complex, yet relatively little attention is given to volunteering as unpaid work, even though it intersects with the worlds of paid employment and the domestic sphere, cutting across individual/collective and public/private spaces.
This article advances a typology of volunteering work (altruistic, instrumental, militant and forced volunteering/‘voluntolding’) that illuminates the complexity and dynamism of volunteering.
Using qualitative data from a study of 30 volunteers to explore practices of volunteering as they unfold in daily life, the typology provides much-needed conceptual building blocks for a theory of ‘volunteering as unpaid work’.
This perspective helps transcend the binaries prevalent in the sociology of work and provides a lens to rethink what counts as work in contemporary society. It also invites further research about the effects of ‘voluntolding’ on individuals and society, and on the complex relationship between volunteering work and outcomes at a personal and collective level.
Tuesday, 14 February 2017
Valorised but not valued? Affective remuneration, social reproduction and feminist politics beyond the crisis
an article by Emma Dowling (Middlesex University, London, UK) published in British Politics Volume 11 Issue 4 (December 2016)
Abstract
This paper proposes an analytical distinction between modes of valorising and modes of valuing social reproduction to suggest that a conflict between these two opposing modes lies at the heart of an on-going crisis of social reproduction in the face of purported economic recovery, where unpaid reproductive labour constitutes a source of surplus value.
A systemic imperative to expand markets in the pursuit of profitability goes hand in hand with a devaluation of social reproduction, either by making this work invisible or by externalising its cost.
This article analyses the specificities of this process in the context of contemporary Britain and investigates the role of the state, focusing on volunteering and new forms of ‘affective remuneration’ linked to financialisation and the connection between social reproduction and wealth extraction.
In conclusion, the paper outlines the contours of possible counter-practices informed by a feminist politics.
Abstract
This paper proposes an analytical distinction between modes of valorising and modes of valuing social reproduction to suggest that a conflict between these two opposing modes lies at the heart of an on-going crisis of social reproduction in the face of purported economic recovery, where unpaid reproductive labour constitutes a source of surplus value.
A systemic imperative to expand markets in the pursuit of profitability goes hand in hand with a devaluation of social reproduction, either by making this work invisible or by externalising its cost.
This article analyses the specificities of this process in the context of contemporary Britain and investigates the role of the state, focusing on volunteering and new forms of ‘affective remuneration’ linked to financialisation and the connection between social reproduction and wealth extraction.
In conclusion, the paper outlines the contours of possible counter-practices informed by a feminist politics.
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Bridging volunteering and the labour market: a proposal of a soft skills matrix
an article by Raquel Rego (University of Lisbon, Portugal), Joana Zózimo (Egas Moniz Cooperative of Higher Education, Portugal), Maria Correia João (Coimbra Center Group of Schools, Portugal) and Ana Ross (Institute for University Solidarity and Cooperation, Portugal) published in Voluntary Sector Review Volume 7 Number 1 (March 2016)
Abstract
In this paper, we argue that volunteering is an enabling environment for informal learning, and accordingly enhances employability. But, for volunteering to have an effective impact, there needs to be a bridge between volunteering and the labour market. In this sense, based on an empirical study, we present a soft skills matrix that enables the recognition of skills generated by volunteering.
Full text (PDF)
Abstract
In this paper, we argue that volunteering is an enabling environment for informal learning, and accordingly enhances employability. But, for volunteering to have an effective impact, there needs to be a bridge between volunteering and the labour market. In this sense, based on an empirical study, we present a soft skills matrix that enables the recognition of skills generated by volunteering.
Full text (PDF)
Friday, 31 May 2013
Localism, voluntarism and devolution: Experiences, opportunities and challenges in a changing policy context
an article by Mike Woolvin (SRUC, UK) and Irene Hardill (Northumbria University, UK) published in Local Economy volume 28 Number 3 (May 2013)
Abstract
This article focuses on the importance of the community context for voluntarism within shifting discourses of localism in England and Scotland.
Mobilising communities through the encouragement and support of voluntarism is an important policy and practice driver in both jurisdictions, but is non-reserved. In this context, we outline the ways localism discourses have been mobilised, drawing on case study research in deprived urban areas of Scotland and England to explore the implications of these for sustaining voluntarism.
We argue it is important to recognise that the social, spatial and economic context in which voluntarism takes place is multi-layered: some acts are undertaken through an organisation, others may be part of one-to-one acts of helping, or through semi-formal or informal neighbourhood/community groups.
If expectations of further voluntarism are to be realistic and sustainable, discourses of localism must support this at the local level and recognise the diverse range of both visible and less visible acts which take place over time. Otherwise unrealistic, unsustainable and ultimately unachievable models and amounts of voluntary participation may be asked of communities, posing serious challenges for ‘localism’ discourse.
Abstract
This article focuses on the importance of the community context for voluntarism within shifting discourses of localism in England and Scotland.
Mobilising communities through the encouragement and support of voluntarism is an important policy and practice driver in both jurisdictions, but is non-reserved. In this context, we outline the ways localism discourses have been mobilised, drawing on case study research in deprived urban areas of Scotland and England to explore the implications of these for sustaining voluntarism.
We argue it is important to recognise that the social, spatial and economic context in which voluntarism takes place is multi-layered: some acts are undertaken through an organisation, others may be part of one-to-one acts of helping, or through semi-formal or informal neighbourhood/community groups.
If expectations of further voluntarism are to be realistic and sustainable, discourses of localism must support this at the local level and recognise the diverse range of both visible and less visible acts which take place over time. Otherwise unrealistic, unsustainable and ultimately unachievable models and amounts of voluntary participation may be asked of communities, posing serious challenges for ‘localism’ discourse.
Friday, 23 November 2012
Incredible Edible – social and environmental entrepreneurship in the era of the “Big Society”
John Thompson (The Business School, University of Huddersfield, UK)
Social Enterprise Journal Volume 8 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to allow the exploration of social entrepreneurship, environmental improvement and volunteering in the context of the UK’s declared Big Society. Recently, there has been increased interest in “environmental” as well as social entrepreneurship. Volunteering is also an area of growing concern in policy circles, particularly with the advent of the “Big Society”, the UK Government’s vision of citizen involvement.
Design/methodology/approach
The case was written with both secondary and primary data and with the co-operation of Incredible Edible. Primary data include street questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders.
Findings
Incredible Edible is an environmental initiative started in Todmorden, West Yorkshire. Basically community members – largely volunteers – have looked for opportunities where they could plant and grow fruits and vegetables that others could just help themselves to. Any spare land and space has been seen as suitable. From this the themes of local food growing and self sufficiency have taken over. Over a (short) period of years the initiative has grown and received considerable support from local stakeholders as well as extensive publicity. The initiative has attracted attention elsewhere and not just in the UK. But its real impact has been on the community and its sense of place.
Practical implications
The data have been used (so far) to write a case that traces the journey of the people behind the initiative, their motives and their impact. It explores a number of themes, namely:
The case demonstrates five important themes that could be seen as a litmus test for the effectiveness of projects and initiatives in the Big Society – namely the presence and commitment of a visionary who provides the purpose and direction, volunteers, velocity – and emergence, visibility, and value.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to allow the exploration of social entrepreneurship, environmental improvement and volunteering in the context of the UK’s declared Big Society. Recently, there has been increased interest in “environmental” as well as social entrepreneurship. Volunteering is also an area of growing concern in policy circles, particularly with the advent of the “Big Society”, the UK Government’s vision of citizen involvement.
Design/methodology/approach
The case was written with both secondary and primary data and with the co-operation of Incredible Edible. Primary data include street questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders.
Findings
Incredible Edible is an environmental initiative started in Todmorden, West Yorkshire. Basically community members – largely volunteers – have looked for opportunities where they could plant and grow fruits and vegetables that others could just help themselves to. Any spare land and space has been seen as suitable. From this the themes of local food growing and self sufficiency have taken over. Over a (short) period of years the initiative has grown and received considerable support from local stakeholders as well as extensive publicity. The initiative has attracted attention elsewhere and not just in the UK. But its real impact has been on the community and its sense of place.
Practical implications
The data have been used (so far) to write a case that traces the journey of the people behind the initiative, their motives and their impact. It explores a number of themes, namely:
- social entrepreneurship in action;
- improving the local environment aesthetically;
- the Big Society and volunteering;
- the local economic and social impacts – a new sense of place;
- improved diets and healthy eating – but also the impact on other local businesses which sell rival food products;
- how local successes can be replicated elsewhere; and
- the sustainability of initiatives such as this.
The case demonstrates five important themes that could be seen as a litmus test for the effectiveness of projects and initiatives in the Big Society – namely the presence and commitment of a visionary who provides the purpose and direction, volunteers, velocity – and emergence, visibility, and value.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Engaging adults in youth volunteering
a DFE Research Report (DFE-RR189) by Mehul Kotecha, Gareth Morrell and Lucy Lee (Natcen Social Research)
Synopsis
In the last decade, volunteering has increasingly been seen as a central act of citizenship and a central pillar of strategies related to civic renewal. This development reflects an acknowledgement of the perceived benefits for volunteers and society more generally of engaging in pro-social activities.
The rising political profile of volunteering has seen a range of policy initiatives aiming to create opportunities for, in particular, young people to become involved in volunteering and other activities with a positive social or community focus. Evaluations of the Millennium Volunteers’ programme and, more recently, v – the National Young Volunteers’ Service – have demonstrated positive links between involvement and improved confidence and civic mindedness for the young people involved.
This report focuses on three key stages along the route to becoming a volunteer at which points various factors could influence whether or not people volunteer. These were the motivators and de-motivators affecting the initial decision to consider volunteering with young people; the barriers and facilitators to entering volunteering once the motivation is there; and the factors affecting whether individuals continue to be volunteers.
Includes:
Synopsis
In the last decade, volunteering has increasingly been seen as a central act of citizenship and a central pillar of strategies related to civic renewal. This development reflects an acknowledgement of the perceived benefits for volunteers and society more generally of engaging in pro-social activities.
The rising political profile of volunteering has seen a range of policy initiatives aiming to create opportunities for, in particular, young people to become involved in volunteering and other activities with a positive social or community focus. Evaluations of the Millennium Volunteers’ programme and, more recently, v – the National Young Volunteers’ Service – have demonstrated positive links between involvement and improved confidence and civic mindedness for the young people involved.
This report focuses on three key stages along the route to becoming a volunteer at which points various factors could influence whether or not people volunteer. These were the motivators and de-motivators affecting the initial decision to consider volunteering with young people; the barriers and facilitators to entering volunteering once the motivation is there; and the factors affecting whether individuals continue to be volunteers.
Includes:
- Summary
- Introduction
- Considering volunteering
- Becoming a volunteer
- Conclusion – changing behaviour
- References
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