Susan J. Ellis

This is a training video professionally produced by Energize, Inc. and features Susan J. Ellis as presenter. Content focuses on how to establish teamwork between paid and unpaid workers. Ellis reviews the basic principles of supporting volunteers to get the work done and also benefit staff. The format also includes several scenarios demonstrating various types of volunteer/staff interaction – effective and not so effective!

An interactive group activity for religious leaders for analyzing how their congregations work, conducting an organizational analysis of their organization, and identifying areas that deserve further attention. Though The Church Puzzle Game uses the word ‘‘church” in its title and instructions, the content of the Game was written with the intention to help any faith community, religious body, or house of worship.

How to incorporate  children into an adult volunteer program and find creative ways to use  children's fresh perspectives. Includes examples of actual volunteer  projects accomplished by youngsters, models of child-adult teams and  tips on family volunteering.  Learn how to recruit, train and design  assignments for volunteers under the age of 14. 

In this video Ellis delivers a classic keynote speech at the Nebraska Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism.  True to her unique style, she provides thought provoking insights into trends of the late 1990’s as well as what she predicts about future issues impacting the field – much of which is still relevant in the 21^st century.
Length:  1 hour

By the People remains the only book available presenting the full scope and depth of volunteer activity throughout three centuries of American history. Originally published in 1978, Susan Ellis and Katie Campbell reissued this revised New Century Edition in 2005. The book challenges misunderstandings about the role of volunteers and illuminates the impact of volunteers throughout history.

This video was made by the Learning Institute for Nonprofit Organizations, a national distance learning program.   It begins with Ellis quickly reviewing some content from an earlier “Part 1” video, and then moves into a comprehensive presentation on how to recruit and retain volunteers.  Later in the video, questions are submitted from the audience (via phone calls & written format) to which Ellis provides specific practical responses. This is where a lot of the value lies!

Length: 1 hour 40 minutes