The direct service volunteer and voluntary board member: what are the roles and responsibilities?

Abstract

The role of the direct service volunteer on the voluntary board is explored and its organizational structure is examined to determine if it facilitates the flow of information from volunteers. The study questions whether volunteers can effectively communicate their suggestions and concerns about volunteer and organizational needs given the structure imposed by Board Member Manual procedure. A two-way relationship via the Voluntary Advisory Committee is suggested where political participation through the committee can give volunteers a political structure to express opinions pertinent to volunteer causes and clear lines of communication between staff, volunteers, and the leadership can be established.