Social, economic, political, and technological changes in the last quarter century have changed the volunteer sector. This publ-cation identifies some of the trends and the issues they raise for the emerging profession of volunteer management, concluding with a list of resources. The Volunteer Pool.
Volunteers are more diverse than ever in age and background.
Longer life expectancy, higher levels of for-mal education, and early retirement have increased the numbers of older adult volunteers. Volunteers' motivations and expectations are changing. Some volunteer to support their careers and gain new skills. A litigious society has increased individuals' concerns about their liability as volunteers. In 1997, Congress passed the Volunteer Protection Act, which grants immunity from personal liability in certain circumstances.