Make a Difference: Americas Guide to Volunteering and Community Service

"Blaustein′s effort will help a new generation of Americans approach community service— and their own lives— in a way that will strengthen our democracy." — Senator John Kerry "A terrific resource . . . . Arthur Blaustein has made it easy for every citizen to volunteer." — Bob Chase, president National Education Association "Wouldn′t you like help in making September 11 a transformative event? Blausteins book is perfectly timed . . . . A perfect graduation gift— for us all!" — Gail Sheehy, author of The Passages Books "We′ve fallen far from the notion that citizen is the highest office in the land. Arthur Blaustein has kept the faith. His book will help us regain the heights and take democracy back!" — Bill Moyers Do You Want to Become a Volunteer but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of organizations to choose from? Look no further than this revised edition of the bestselling book Make a Difference! Complied and written by Arthur Blaustein, adjunct professor of social and urban policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and faculty advisor for its Americorps program, this guide offers valuable information for everyone inspired to give back to their communities. Make a Difference will help you find innumerable opportunities to put your expertise and talents to good use. This revised and expanded guide includes more than 185 national, nonprofit organizations that use volunteers of all ages to make a difference where it counts. Make a Difference also lists 30 organizations that give up–to–date information on critical issues and policies. Whether you want to tutor a child or an adult, promote a cause you care about, or get hands–on experience at an organization′s headquarters, Make a Difference will inspire you to get out there and make a difference in your community— and your life.

Acknowledgments. CHAPTER ONE: The Challenge of Community Service. CHAPTER TWO: Now More Than Ever. CHAPTER THREE: America Needs You: Opportunities for Service. Children. Civil Rights. Community Development and Economic Justice. Education. Environment and Sustainable Communities. Free Speech and Government Accountability. Gay and Lesbian Rights. Health Care, Hunger, and Homelessness. Human Rights. People with Disabilities. Seniors. Social Welfare and Emergency Relief. Violence Prevention and Peace. Wildlife and Animal. Women’s Rights. CHAPTER FOUR: General Resource, Faith–Based, and Service Organizations. General Resource Organizations. Faith–Based Organizations. Service Organizations. CHAPTER FIVE: Policy and Issues Analysis. CHAPTER SIX: Recommended Readings: A Novel Approach. Index of Organizations. About the Author.