Volunteerism in Youth Development Programs: Editors' Note

Abstract

Youth development programs are varied and diverse. Some rely on paid staff to deliver programming, but many rely on volunteers. While there is quite a bit of research on volunteers and volunteerism in general, there is little that goes in depth covering the nuances of volunteers in youth development organizations. The editors of this special issue introduce the articles, which cover themes of understanding the impacts of volunteers, volunteer competencies and skill development, support and motivation of volunteers, and evaluation of programs. In addition, a book review and a closing reflection are included. Finally, the editors close with their thoughts about exciting directions for the future of volunteer development research and practice.

«Non-formal competences» as an independent scientific category: a comparative analysis of approaches to the definition

“…An important area of application of non-formal and informal learning is volunteering. The importance of volunteering as an informal educational activity provides an opportunity for the formation of not only soft, but also professional skills and competences [27]. With the help of volunteering, the formation of several groups of non-formal competences identified by the researchers is available: methodical (problem solving, the ability to communicate and moderation, coordination of tasks and reflection), personal (the ability to take responsibility and show initiative, self-reflection), communicative (oral speech, listening, dissemination of information, use of information technology), organizational (time management, delegation of tasks, recruiting and involvement), interpersonal (the ability to establish and strengthen interpersonal relationships, flexibility) [28].…”