Volunteer Affiliation in Development Projects: Two Models and Their Implications

Abstract

Selection of sites for volunteer staffed development programs based on the affiliation of the volunteer constitutes a vital program input that will influence in significant ways the manner in which a program operates (program process) and the probable results of the program (program outcomes). Two models of volunteer affiliation, community-affiliated and program-affiliated, are described in terms of analytical ideal types, based on the experiences of a broad array of domestic and international volunteer staffed development programs. The advantages and limitations of each model are discussed in relation to a number of program dimensions: contributions to social and economic change-resource redistribution; contributions to good will within the host community or the host nation; compatibility with community development philosophy and principles; and accountability. A few selected planned variations on the ideal-type models are suggested that might allow development programs to maximize specific advantages of each model, while compensating for limitations historically associated with the model.