Make a Difference: The Ultimate Volunteer Handbook

(Paperback)

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Description

A comprehensive guide to civic participation and the best opportunities for volunteering.
We are proud residents of the land of the free and the home of the brave, but how often do we actually get involved and do anything to make a difference The lifeblood of democracy is volunteering, and Make a Difference teaches readers how to get in the game and help!
Volunteers are needed in record numbers. People are in trouble, and they are turning to volunteer organizations in their communities and faiths for help. Millions of Americansmiddle class, working class, professionals, and business executiveshave experienced the loss of a job, a home, or a business, small farm failure, a personal bankruptcy, or a loss of pension or retirement income. And millions more are only a layoff, illness, divorce, or accident away from falling into poverty. But YOU can help!
Make a Difference is a comprehensive collection of more than two hundred community service opportunities and experiences. More than a simple resource guide, this unique handbook includes interviews, anecdotes, and commentary from the top people in nonprofit and service fields. The book ties together the strands of volunteering, community service, and civic engagement.
Blaustein focuses on two critical questions: How did we get into this mess and What can be done to turn things around His answer to these interconnected questions is volunteering, community service, civic engagement, and citizen participation. They are good for you, vital to those being served, and healthy for your community and our country. Heres what YOU can do to help!

Reviews

"Blaustein's effort will help a new generation of Americans approach community serviceand their own livesin a way that will strengthen our democracy."Secretary of State John Kerry

"If you're wondering what the world is coming to...how to remain hopeful...where to begin. The answer is in your hands...Please take this book with you into the rest of your life."Barbara Kingsolver

"Arthur Blaustein has kept the faith. His book will help us regain the heights and take democracy back!"Bill Moyers

"A terrific resource."Bob Chase, President, National Education Association

"Looking for creative and useful ways to benefit communities across America Read this book."Senator Edward M. Kennedy
"Blaustein's effort will help a new generation of Americans approach community serviceand their own livesin a way that will strengthen our democracy."Secretary of State John Kerry

"If you're wondering what the world is coming to...how to remain hopeful...where to begin. The answer is in your hands...Please take this book with you into the rest of your life."Barbara Kingsolver

"Arthur Blaustein has kept the faith. His book will help us regain the heights and take democracy back!"Bill Moyers

"A terrific resource."Bob Chase, President, National Education Association

"Looking for creative and useful ways to benefit communities across America Read this book."Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Author Bio

Arthur Blaustein is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches community development, public policy, and politics. He has served on the board of the National Endowment for the Humanities and was chair of the presidents National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. He lives in Berkeley, California.