Books

This is a full alphabetized list of our archived digital books. Most were in Susan Ellis’ resource library and/or published by Energize during the 20th century and reflect the evolving body of knowledge related to leadership and management of volunteers. Author permission has been obtained where appropriate and feasible. Our policy is not to digitize/archive books which are still being sold elsewhere. These books can be downloaded at no cost.

Authors Published
Book cover (Help!) I-Don't-Have-Enough-Time Guide to Volunteer Management, The

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

Katherine H. (Noyes) Campbell, Susan J. Ellis 2010
Book covers show historic photos of volunteers By the People: A History of Americans as Volunteers, New Century Edition

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.

Susan J. Ellis, Katherine H. (Noyes) Campbell 2005
Book cover with cartoon of children painting a fence Children As Volunteers: Preparing for Community Service

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. 

Katherine H. (Noyes) Campbell, Susan J. Ellis 1991
Cover for Church Puzzle game, stained glass image Church Puzzle Game

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.

Susan J. Ellis 2002
Book cover with title Focus on Volunteering KOPY KIT®

Contains 117 formatted, ready-to-print and copy pages, each about a specific volunteering subject such as working with volunteers, the history of volunteering, and trends in volunteerism. The KOPY KIT also includes a section of ready-to-use graphics including "thank you" and "we miss you" letters, certificates and awards, recruitment flyers and even greeting cards.

Susan J. Ellis 1999
Bookcover Focus on Volunteering Kopykit
Susan J. Ellis 1999
Bookcover Leading the Way to Successful Volunteer Involvement: Practical Tools for Busy Executives

Each section of Leading the Way focuses on a key aspect of involving volunteers in which it is crucial for executives to take a lead role, such as fund development, planning and policy development, and evaluation. Checklists, worksheets, idea stimulators, real-life examples, self-inquiry assessments, and other practical tools can be used immediately to guide planning and decision-making. 

 

Betty Stallings, Susan J. Ellis 2010
Book cover with title, stick figures walking up a pile of papers and putting flag at top Proof Positive: Developing Significant Volunteer Recordkeeping Systems, 21st Century Edition

A step-by-step guide to the basic elements of a volunteer recordkeeping system. Includes the why and how of application forms, volunteer data files, assignment records, time and activity reports - for individual volunteers, groups, and off-site service, too. Lots of sample forms, ideas for documenting hard-to-track activities, and ways to demonstrate the work you do in managing volunteer involvement.

Susan J. Ellis, Katherine H. (Noyes) Campbell 2003
The Volunteer Management Audit

The Volunteer Management Audit is a unique tool for analyzing the effectiveness of an organization's approach to and procedures for involving volunteers. It's designed to be administered by a team of staff and volunteers. The Audit provides a step-by-step guide to planning, conducting, and following-up the assessment process, with complete Scoresheets and instructions. 

 

Susan J. Ellis 2003
Book cover with the tile on a clipboard The Volunteer Recruitment Book

The book first shows how to design the best assignments for volunteers as the initial step to recruit the most qualified people. What follows is a wealth of information on topics ranging from how your organization's image affects your success in recruitment to where to look for new volunteers, including your own backyard. The Volunteer Recruitment (and Membership Development) Book also offers a whole chapter on membership development for all-volunteer organizations, including how to get current members "off the rolls and on their feet." The Appendix,"Outreach in Cyberspace," explains the Internet as a powerful recruitment tool. 

Susan J. Ellis 2002