Online Resources for Volunteer Managers

Volunteer Management Research

The internet provides great resources for volunteer managers. The sites listed below provide extensive resources for volunteer managers on all aspects of running a volunteer program: components of a volunteer program, trends in volunteering, sample forms and more.

Energize Inc.In addition to a comprehensive online library of volunteer management topics – articles, e-books, websites – this site also has a referral network. Many free materials are offered, as well as an online bookstore.

The Resource Center Managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, this site has a searchable database of volunteer management topics.

Volunteer Management Resource Center Maintained by Idealist.org, this site also allows organizations to post volunteer opportunities and internships.

Volunteer Today: The Electronic Gazette for Volunteerism In addition to a list of resources, online bookstore, all past issues of Volunteer Today are archived on the site, which can be searched by keyword, date or alphabetically by title.

Local Volunteer Centers Volunteer Centers work in their local communities to support both volunteers and volunteer program managers. Though each is structured differently, most assist with recruitment (see below) and many offer training courses and materials.

Recruiting Volunteers Online

In addition to the A.T. volunteer database, which is available to all A.T. volunteer managers, other online services exist that will help you get the word out about your opportunities.

VolunteerMatch This national site allows nonprofit organizations to create a brief profile and post volunteer opportunities by zip code. Posting volunteer opportunities is free, but additional services are offered for a fee.

Idealist.org This site (which is world-wide) allows nonprofits to post volunteer opportunities and internships for free.

Local Volunteer Centers Most volunteer centers offer recruiting services to local nonprofits. Contact a local center for more information.

Online Communication

ATC now uses Skype - an internet communication service - for audio/video calls and instant messaging.  If you'd like to learn more, download ATC's guide to installing and using Skype.

Questions? Contact Jeanne Mahoney at jmahoney@appalachiantrail.org