Extending University Resources in Support of Volunteer Development: Evaluation of a Pilot Effort

In 1980, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University established a Center for Volunteer Development. The broad purpose of the Center, specified under terms of a five-year Kellogg Foundation grant, was to enhance the effectiveness of volun teers and volunteer organizations in Virginia. Specific objectives were to: (1) deliver needed assistance to volunteer organizations upon request; (2) facilitate inclusion of the study of volunteerism in the University's curriculum; (3) involve other post secondary institutions in programs supporting volunteer development. A major program challenge was to successfully employ the University's statewide network of Extension offices to link campus-based faculty expertise to volunteer organiza tions requesting assistance. The purpose of this article is to present the findings of an external evaluation of the Center's effort. These findings indicate that: the Cen ter succeeded for the most part in involving Extension agents and faculty members as planned; meaningful assistance was delivered to a substantial number of volun teer organizations; progress was made toward including the study of volunteerism in coursework; and other postsecondary institutions were involved. The findings also show that a range of problems were encountered. Conclusions based on these findings are offered.