Make a Difference: America's Guide to Volunteering and Community Service (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The traditions of community service and citizen participation have been at the heart of American civic culture since before the nation was founded..." (more)
Key Phrases: welcomes volunteers, volunteer opportunities, minimum commitment, New York, United States, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

From the Back Cover

"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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; Rev Upd Su edition (September 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968048
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968045
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #671,149 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A handy-dandy guide to getting involved, May 3, 2004

By	Tam Ma (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

"Make a Difference" is an easy-to-read guide about volunteering with hundreds of community-based organizations. Blaustein does a fabulous job organizing the organizations by subject matter so readers can easily find opportunities that suit their interests. This book makes a fabulous gift for high schoolers, college students, and adults looking to make a difference.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one-stop shopping for the seeking volunteer, April 19, 2004

By	"ek1277" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

An excellent comprehensive listing of national organizations whose doors are wide open and welcoming to compassionate individuals looking to make a difference in their communities. The book is sliced and diced by issue area, making it easy to navigate, and the contact information for each organization listed makes it easy to get moving. Dispersed throughout the book are personal accounts of the positive impact community service has on the community as well as the individual. Makes a great gift - for yourself or someone you love!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some books are a must read, this one is a must do!, April 16, 2004

By	Jack Anderson - See all my reviews

This is the Rx for the majority of Americans who feel helpless to change the course of our nation. Blaustein reminds us that we change the world, our national character and our soul - one good deed at a time. He provides the roadmap and you do the trip planning for what is sure to be an inspiring journey. Some books are a must read, this one is a must do!