Volunteering 'is not a panacea'

By Indira Das-Gupta, Third Sector, 6 June 2007

Volunteers: high support needs

One of the founders of a new support group for volunteer managers has warned against volunteering being "offered as a panacea for society's ills".

Debbie Usiskin, who has 10 years' experience of managing volunteers at charities such as Victim Support, helped launch the Association of Volunteer Managers this week. The association is open to anyone who works with volunteers, including those in private companies.

Usiskin's warning comes as Volunteering Week ends tomorrow. She said: "Managing volunteers is becoming like juggling, but harder. It is being offered as a panacea for society's ills. Many doctors, for example, recommend volunteering instead of antidepressants. Managers can often end up with volunteers with high support needs, such as refugees or the long-term unemployed."

She said the association would offer a one-stop shop for information and would help negotiate a way through the growing volume of conflicting regulations.

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Linda Colclough

Linda Colclough, 2 November 2007, 14:31

(Sadly I've just read this, hope it's not too late) I have exactly the same experience. I would appreciate if if you could put me on your list. Numbers would add up to strengthen our voice. Please count my support to this campaign. More power to the Network!

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