Find news you can use on a variety of topics; opportunities to raise money, changes in postage rates; statistics and facts that impact volunteer programs; and more.

~ November 2007 ~ Topics

Professional Salary Study
AVRM Conference
Trend Tracking for Manager of Volunteers

Volunteer Today frequently receives inquiries about appropriate salaries for managers of volunteer programs. The United Way of King County (WA) Volunteer Center has recently completed a salary survey of 323 nonprofit organizations for 124 job titles. It accounts for more than 15,000 employees. Any nonprofit leader or government-based administrator can use the information to do such things as setting wages and benefits packages. You can obtain a free PDF copy of this survey at http://www.uwkc.org/nonprofit/wagesrv.

More than one hundred volunteer resource manager professionals gathered in Dallas in early October to learn and discuss managing volunteers. There were plenary sessions, dinners, workshops, seminars, and good cheer. If you want to see picture of the group at work, visit their Web site. http://avrm.org/.

Volunteer Today tracks societal trends that have the potential of impacting volunteerism, in all its many manifestations. Here are some predictions from the World Futurist Society.

It is expected that counterfeit currency will increase, driving countries around the world to "cashless" societies.
The U.S. fiscal imbalance will get worse with unsustainable levels in as little as 20 years.
2050 will show a shrinking labor force and greater income disparity. The new jobs require pricey education often out of reach for most working class families.
Slower than expected declines in fertility in developing countries and longevity in rich countries is playing havoc with population predictions. The United Nations has increased its forecast for global population from 9.1 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050.
Some immigrants from poor countries are temporary, working long enough to send money to family back home. Other immigrants elect to put down roots and become a permanent part of their adopted country. It is predicted that the competing interests of permanent and temporary immigrant groups will become more apparent as time goes on.
Earth is on the verge of species extinction, perhaps 1000 times greater than any previous extinction since the dawn of humanity, according the World Resources Institute. Experts contend that incorporating local communities' economic interests into conservation plans is essential to species protection.
The Artic will experience the impacts of climate change more severely than the rest of the world.
Cocoa as a "miracle" drug! It has been found to help reduce risk of death from heart disease and cancer. The active ingredient helps blood vessels relax thus improving blood flow.
Water will be to the 21st Century what oil was in the 20th century. Water shortages and drought conditions are spreading in both the developed and developing world. California is in the process of building 13 desalination plants to provide 10%-20% of the states water in the next 20 years.
Privateness will soon be a thing of the past. Surveillance technology and the rise of sites like MySpace and YouTube are increasing the drive toward exhibitionism.
University education online will increase. Currently 10% of higher education is conducted online. 30% of corporate training is of the E variety. It is expected that will soon exceed 50%.
Technology leads to illiteracy. Conventional definitions of literacy will shift as voice-recognition software for computers is enhanced. Education will shift from teaching reading, writing, and math to encouraging creativity, imagination, and critical thinking.
Most people will die alone. In Japan and the U.S. increasing numbers of elderly people face death without immediate family nearby. New private, nonprofit, and government services are emerging to meet the needs.
Male participation in the workforce is on a steady decline. By 2020 only 70% of working-age men will be working. Reasons: more time in school and taking time off to enjoy life rather than wait for retirement.
Terrorist events will become more common and deadly.
The Middle East could experience three decades of all-out war following the US and allied troop withdrawals.

Some predictions - Just for Fun

Governments may enact happiness-promoting policies. Sweden bans ads aimed at kids to help reduce consumerism associated with unhappiness.
Mental health professionals recommend spending money on "experiences" such as family vacations, rather than "stuff." The memories are more long lasting.
Color changing jeans??? The smart fabric and intelligent textiles folks are working to bring color changing jeans, evening wear that emits different scents as our mood changes, and undergarments that monitor our vital signs.
Synthetic fabrics will increasingly be made from organic resources, such as corn, rice, sugar cane residue, and grass, rather than oil. And a bonus, the fabric is biodegradable.
Engineered particles can pack a wallop in new cosmetics. You will find bug repellents, sun screen, and antibacterial properties in such things as blush and skin cream.
Dresses that dissolve! Fabrics made with clear polymers will break down slowly under normal wear and dissolve quickly when dropped in hot water. Sadly this idea uses oil and makes it less environmentally friendly.