Browsing by Subject "volunteer"
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Item Camp counselors working with chronically ill children(Texas A&M University, 2006-04-12) Fiala, Samuel E.A growing body of empirical evidence suggests that attending specialized summer camps is beneficial for chronically ill youth (Briery & Rabian, 1999). However, there is some inconsistency across studies regarding these benefits (Hazzard & Angert, 1986). One potential explanation for these differences across camps is that they may differ in how well they recruit and train effective volunteer camp counselors. This possibility cannot be explored until more research is conducted identifying what type of person volunteers to work with chronically ill children and how they differ from others. In response to this gap in the research literature, the present study was conducted to examine characteristics of volunteer camp counselors (n =72), a group of nonvolunteers (n = 325), and a group of volunteer mentors (n = 194). Guided by Omoto and Snyder?s (1990) volunteer process model, the investigation explored how counselors differed from others in terms of dispositional variables, knowledge, and experience; and the relation between these individual characteristics and ratings of counselor efficacy was explored. Changes in counselors? knowledge of and/or attitudes toward chronically ill children after their camp experience were also examined. Results suggest that camp counselors differ from others in terms of dispositional characteristics (e.g., attachment style), knowledge, and experience. Specifically, counselors displayed higher levels of agreeableness, greater attachment security, more knowledge of chronic illness, and greater experience with chronic illness than nonvolunteers. Efforts to predict which counselors would be rated as most effective were unsuccessful. Counselors? knowledge of illness increased over the course of their camp experience.Item Furthering Educational Program Delivery through Master Gardener Speakers Bureaus(2012-07-16) Fry, JaylaAlthough the demand for public presentations exists, barriers prevent many Master Gardener Volunteers from participating in speaking events. This study identifies the perspectives of both County Extension Agents and Master Gardener Volunteers on effective Master Gardener Speakers Bureaus. Characteristics and best practices of successful Speakers Bureaus are identified as well as barriers to their development and growth. A parallel mixed method study was designed to simultaneously gather qualitative and quantitative data. The results conclude for Master Gardener Speakers Bureaus to be successful, both agents and volunteers need to have a positive attitude and be support of the Speakers Bureau?s efforts. Utilizing volunteer leadership and offering training are the two best practices that emerged from the data and are recommended to overcome the barriers for Master Gardener Speakers Bureaus.Item Perceptions of Texas County Extension Agents on Volunteers Who Assist With Planning and Implementation of Extension Educational Programs(2012-02-14) Matthies, Allen Z.The objective of the study was to determine and evaluate county extension agents' perceptions on volunteer management competencies related to their county program. General perceptions related to volunteer management were also assessed. The research was conducted on Texas county extension agents working in the fields of agriculture and natural resources and family and consumer sciences. The purpose of this study was to make inferences concerning volunteer management based on self assessment data gained from study participants. The secondary purpose was to identify concerns and provide solutions for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to enhance this organization. Five research questions were examined by the researcher: 1) What are the demographics of county extension agents working for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 2) What are the county characteristics of extension volunteers and volunteer programs in Texas, 3) What are the differences in volunteer management based on location factors such as population size and staff size, 4) Is the ISOTURE model for volunteer management utilized by county extension agents working for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and 5) How do county extension agents perceive their volunteer programs are viewed by the clientele they serve? The population of county extension agents was 451 at the time of data collection. Two hundred seventeen (217) responses were collected. The instrument for this study was in electronic format and was divided into three sections; general volunteerism, specified volunteerism as it relates to "Your Volunteer Group," and demographic data. The participant was asked to select a specified volunteer group which had eight predefined groups and one blank for "Other." The results of this study identified seven significant findings with seven recommendations for Texas AgriLife Extension Service regarding professional development, volunteer utilization, and volunteer structure. Conclusions reached from this research show county extension agents utilize the volunteer management model adopted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Furthermore, differences in environment such as population, staffing pattern, and volunteer utilization have influence on how volunteers are utilized in different counties. Finally, the researcher identified seven areas of further research.