From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement

A bestseller since 1986, FROM THE TOP DOWN was the first book to identify the critical link between the actions of a top leader of an organization and the overall success of volunteer engagement. Over the years, it has guided many executives in taking a stronger role with their "nonsalaried personnel department" and given voice to directors of volunteer involvement who so often feel that their bosses "just don't understand." This fully revised third edition of FROM THE TOP DOWN has been updated to reflect many changes and trends in the world and in volunteerism. It points the way to success with volunteers by showing how to: *Articulate a vision and strategy for volunteer involvement *Make the most of the connection between money donors and time donors *Avoid tension between volunteers and employees *Tap new community resources, from pro bono service to voluntourism *Budget for and creatively fund volunteer efforts *Find the best person to lead volunteer participation *Manage risk, legal, and insurance issues realistically *Distinguish between the wage replacement cost of volunteer time and its true value *Demonstrate executive commitment on a daily basis Whether an organization is just starting out with a new volunteer initiative or has many years of experience with a well-developed corps of volunteers, FROM THE TOP DOWN provides thought-provoking and thoughtful advice to achieve the maximum impact from the participation of volunteers.