Book Describes Contributions of Volunteers Throughout U.S. History

NEW BOOKS

By the People: A History of Americans as Volunteers, New Century Edition
by Susan J. Ellis and Katherine H. Campbell

Though the history of the United States is often described as a series of events propelled and guided by charismatic individuals, volunteer efforts by “thousands of unnamed citizens have had an impact on American society” and should not be underestimated, write Susan J. Ellis and Katherine H. Campbell.

Ms. Ellis, president of Energize, a consulting, publishing, and training company that focuses on volunteerism, and Ms. Campbell, a consultant to nonprofit organizations, argue that volunteerism should be given a central place in the story of the United States.

Volunteer efforts, which often spring up spontaneously in response to a crisis or change, can “recognize significant issues and needs well before government or other institutions do,” the authors say.

Like the earlier editions, this third edition of the book examines the contributions of volunteer labor to the founding, economy, morality, laws, and institutions of the United States.

New in this edition are two chapters on the turn and beginning of the 21st century, describing the altruistic reaction to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and other crises, and a chapter on current examples of volunteer work in business, health care, justice, labor, and several other fields.

The book concludes with a discussion of future trends in volunteerism, such as involvement by older Americans and the growing interest in short-term commitments.

Publisher: Energize, 5450 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19144; (215) 438-8342; fax (215) 438-0434; http://www.energizeinc.com; 385 pages; $24.95 for paperback; $16 for an electronic copy; ISBN 0-940576-43-0.