~ June 2007 ~ Topics

An Olympic-Sized Dilemma
The Call for Canada

A majority of the 100,000 people who will volunteer for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing are university students or recent graduates. Unfortunately, these young volunteers are finding that the time required for extensive volunteer training is cutting into their studies and job searches. Almost fifty percent of volunteers surveyed are worried about their volunteer commitment conflicting with a new job or school. Over twenty percent thought that their volunteer commitment may lead to salary deductions or even dismissal. The Beijing Organizing Committee has responded by requesting a national policy to protect volunteers who support the games of the XXIX Olympiad. For more information, visit China Daily (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn) or World Volunteer Web (http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/news-views/viewpoints/doc/dilemma-over-volunteering-or.html).

Washington State University offers a Volunteer Management Certification Program through the Internet. Individuals around the world can earn a certificate in managing or coordinating volunteers, without leaving home. For more information, visit Volunteer Today's Portal site, Internet Resources. Look for the Washington State University listing. There is a hot link to their Web site.