Volunteer Transitions Among Older Americans

As the nation ages, older adults' volunteer activities are becoming increasingly important This study uses longitudinal data from a nationally representative survey to examine entries into and exits from volunteer activities by adults age 55 to 65. The findings reveal considerable persistence among both volunteers and nonvolunteers; however, older adults are more likely to stop volunteering than to start. Duration and intensity of volunteering, as well as marriage to a volunteer, are strong predictors of continued volunteer activities. And, the time spent away from volunteer activities, as well as marriage to a nonvolunteer decreases the odds of volunteer starts. More

A Toolkit for Volunteer Leadership: Managing Conflict

Every community group experiences conflict from time to time. There will be differences which arise between individuals (or factions) within the group, as well as between group members and interests outside the group. The ability to manage and ultimately resolve conflict is essential to the development of effective relationships, whether within the family, at work or in community groups. More

The Essentials of Compassionate Communication

Communication with volunteers and staff can both be challenging. This short tutorial highlights the main ways humans get into trouble trying to communicate, and describes effective new ways to communicate which avoids these pitfalls and brings people into a close understanding of one another. More

MediaNet: An Online Tutorial

This online tutorial, created by the Internet News Bureau and others, covers several topic of use to those seeking to maximize their online effectiveness and media exposure. Topics include traditional and online media, ways to woo the media, methods of website promotion, and online resources available to nonprofits. Originally designed for the Media Day '99 Conference held in San Jose, CA on Oct. 21, 1999, it has grown beyond its roots as a presentation to become a more broadly valuable resource. More

‘Save the Ta-Tas’ Gear Sells Well at Hospital Gift Shop

The gift shop at Saint Clare's Hospital is putting some fun in the fight against breast cancer. The store has started selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, bumper stickers and other items bearing the words "save the ta-tas," a slang word for breasts. Five percent of sales go to The Save the Ta-Tas Foundation for breast cancer research, according to the foundation's Web site. So far, the foundation has raised about $200,000. "We can't keep them in stock," said Lori LaPorte, manager of Gifts from Saint Clare. "Our staff has really been buying it." More

What Shoppers Say and What They Really Do

As marketers recognize the importance of point-of-sale, they want to better understand shoppers' needs, priorities, and behavior at-retail. Specifically, they want to know how purchase decisions are made - and how to consistently influence shoppers in the aisle. Meaningful insights can come from directly asking people about their shopping habits. For example, studies often reveal that shoppers are driven by users and usage occasions: They approach the shelf looking for a product to meet a specific need, be it filling the children's lunchbox, cleaning the bathroom, or protecting their new stereo. At the shelf, however, they typically encounter a barrage of product claims (low fat, new oxy foam, 300 megahertz, etc.) - and products that are organized by strength (i.e., good, better, best) or product form (i.e. oxy, foam, gel, etc.), rather than usage occasion. This "disconnect" often complicates the shopping experience - and it creates an opportunity to break through clutter with products and point-of-sale materials that create personal relevance by speaking more directly to users and usage occasions. More

Feedback for the Boss from All Sides

The theory behind 360-degree feedback is simple: By having supervisors, subordinates, co-workers and even customers comment about their performance, bosses can learn what they are doing effectively, and what needs improving. If the theory is right, then having employees give you feedback should make you a better boss. This article contains tips that could make that theory a reality. More

Technology Isn’t Just For Big Boys

“Forget about keeping up with the Joneses. To determine if a technology is worth your precious cash (and many aren't), ask yourself a very basic question: Will it help me compete? That could mean anything from making you more efficient to opening new markets. If the answer is yes, consider it.” A fantastic article to show to the board when asking for new registers, printers, or computers. More

Time on Your Side: How to Keep Focused

The most productive entrepreneurs are those who concentrate on accomplishing a specific task from start to finish. They maintain focus and momentum by asking themselves, "What's next?" and confidently moving on to the next item on their action list. But inevitably, we will all have to multitask at some point each day. More