Developing a Capacity Building, Operational Model of a Sustainable Recreation Program

Integrating sustainability concepts, tools, and best practices across the outdoor recreation and park profession has gained momentum over the past three decades. However, missing from the professional and scientific literature have been action-oriented and evaluative research focused on “how” sustainability is being operationalized in the field. Through a qualitative research design focused on the 11 National Forests of the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service, we developed an operational model for how sustainable recreation is being implemented at the Forest level through the Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Data collection included document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and personal observation. Document analysis included a content analysis methodology of 11 Forest-level Sustainable Recreation Action Plans, the principal planning process used to implement the vision and goals set forth by the Regional Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Evidence from the study was used to develop a grounded operational model with three foundational areas of Program, Agency, and Community. Foundational areas were further elaborated into component areas—Program into workforce, communications, outdoor recreation management, financial management, and information management systems—Agency into leadership support, administrative support, and integrated resource management—and Community into partnerships, volunteer program, and conservation education. Operational models such as this can help recreation managers, agency leaders, and policymakers adjust systems, structures, and roles to build program capacity and accelerate program transition towards sustainability.

Motivations and Experiences of Older Adult Volunteers in a Telehealth Nursing Simulation Activity

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to safely engaging older adults in volunteer activities. This research explored a unique partnership between a Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) and a school of nursing to administer a telehealth virtual simulation training for nurse practitioner students. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nursing simulation coordinators and volunteers after the telehealth simulation exercise. The purpose of this research was to identify principles of successful virtual volunteer engagement for telehealth simulations. This initial pilot study encompassed debriefing interviews with volunteers (N = 3) and interviews with simulation coordinators (N = 2). Three major themes emerged within the response coding: 1) the benefits of virtual simulation volunteering, 2) technology as a facilitating factor and challenge, and 3) unique volunteer management considerations. Both volunteers and coordinators noted that volunteers derived positive emotional benefits and new insights from their participation. Coordinators discussed the “authenticity” factor that older adults brought to the simulation experience as a benefit to engaging older adult volunteers. Technology sub-themes included accessibility considerations, experience with the online format, and other logistical considerations in conducting telehealth simulation. Volunteer management sub-themes encompassed volunteer skills and motivations, the perceived successful aspects of training, and improvements for future simulations. Volunteers discussed an interest and connection to healthcare and education as a motivating factor for their participation in the telehealth simulation. This small scale pilot research will be expanded through future simulation activities to continue to identify principles of practice for engaging older adults in virtual volunteerism.

Motivation of Olympic Volunteers in Russia and China

The research objective was to study the motivation of Russian and Chinese volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2014 and 2022. Mega-sport events attract public attention worldwide and require a lot of volunteers. Based on the international scope of Olympic volunteer community, a cross-country analysis of volunteering experience is a relevant topic. The Russian program for training of Olympic volunteers was the first of its kind. It was funded by the state on the basis of educational institutions, non-profit and commercial organizations. China is currently developing its own Olympic volunteer program, which relies mainly on government organizations. The study relied on an online survey of Olympic volunteers. Chinese volunteers appeared to have been motivated by value and defensive reasons, while Russian volunteers were attracted by the informational and professional opportunities that Olympic volunteering has to offer. The research results can help to develop volunteer programs, as well as to improve their effectiveness and popularity.

A Peer and Volunteer Program for Patients and Their Families in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Program Evaluation

Introduction: Patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk of developing long-term morbidities following recovery from their critical illness. One such health outcome is called post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). PICS in pediatrics may be mitigated by interventions that facilitate adjustment to the PICU setting.Methods: The PICU implemented a two-pronged Peer and Volunteer (P/V) Program to help: (a) families adjust to the PICU experience with the support of a peer mentor (PM); and (b) patients receive non-medical interaction from trained volunteers (V). We designed a mixed-methods program evaluation targeting perspectives and feedback from PICU families and healthcare professionals (HCPs).Results: All stakeholder groups agreed that the PICU P/V Program was a valuable resource for PICU patients and their families. HCPs reported that they lack both time and training to provide regular developmental care to patients. However, the P/V Program may influence both families' and HCP's confidence in their ability to offer non-medical interaction to children in the PICU.Discussion: Important initial and on-going strengths and barriers to successful implementation were identified, including the need to clarify roles and intervention scope. The program evaluation served as a change management strategy and also helped to identify both areas for improvement and strategies for on-going sustainability. HCP's exposure to the program and modeling by PMs may have helped HCPs to feel that it is within their job description and capacity to provide emotional support and guidance to families.

Lessons Learned from the Development of the North Carolina Extension Master Food Volunteer Program

This article describes the curriculum and program development process that was used to create the North Carolina Extension Master Food Volunteer program. We used a rigorous program development process, including conducting a needs assessment, piloting and evaluating the program, incorporating revisions based on feedback, and receiving external reviews that were incorporated into the final product. We provide lessons learned and best practices for others to follow. These include the importance of piloting the program, involving agents and key partners throughout the entire process, and providing flexibility and adaptability in program delivery.