Susan J. Ellis

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

In this 27 minute speech Ellis clearly describes how the image and vocabulary related to volunteering has changed historically -- and is still changing in the 1990's. Sprinkled with bits of humor and her signature provocative style, the overarching points articulated by Ellis are still relevant to our field in the 21st century.
 

Presents a step-by-step framework for creating a team approach to volunteer management, includes how to map the boundaries of the leader's job and clarify expectations, find administrative volunteers and put them to work in vital ways, and share ownership and the work of the volunteer involvement with everyone in your organization. Includes an appendix of electronic volunteerism resources and a detailed task analysis of what it takes to lead volunteer involvement successfully.

Paperback/Kindle version is available for a cost on Amazon: US | UK