The programme will be delivered primarily through independent learning. The independent study hours will be devoted to 40 hours of volunteering and to reflection on the activity of volunteering. Twelve hours will be allotted to work with a supervisor, who will oversee the voluntary activity and the preparation of the assessments, including delivery of an individual poster presentation.

This module will explore the concept of voluntary activity in its practical application. It is designed for those who either:
i) have undertaken 40 hours of voluntary activity in consultation with the tutor ii) are currently in the process of undertaking 40 hours of voluntary activity or
iii) have found a voluntary placement and have fulfilled all preconditions so that the 40 hours of voluntary activity can be completed during the 12 weeks of the module.

The module will focus on the theoretical principles and practical activity of volunteering and will encourage you to address issues related to the leadership and management of the volunteering process in order to prepare you for taking on positions (either paid or voluntary) with greater responsibility. The workshop sessions address concepts central to volunteering such as social exclusion and social capital and explore government policy relating to volunteering. The motivations of volunteers are also considered, and issues around the management of volunteers are investigated. Many sessions contain practical elements as well, to help you develop skills for working with community groups. Student presentations about volunteering activity allow you to learn from the experiences of each other.

Portfolio (4000 words total) to consist of:

1) An individual poster presentation demonstrating your involvement in voluntary activity, which will assess [Learning Outcomes 1, 4, 5] equivalent to 1000 words

2) Individual written reflection on the experience of participating voluntary activity, including reflection on the management of volunteers. [Learning Outcomes 1-5] 3000 words

NCVO, IVR, Involve, 2011, Pathways through Participation: Volunteering as a Participation Pathway, Briefing Paper, September. Available @ http://pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Pathways-Through-Participation-Volunteering-Briefing-final.pdf

Musick, M. and Wilson, J. (2008) Volunteers: A Social Profile, Bloomington: University of Indiana Press.

Norman, J. (2010) The Big Society: The Anatomy of the New Politics, University of Buckingham Press.

Library - where you will find relevant textbooks and journals
Internet - where you will find relevant websites
Volunteering Placement in a community-based organisation
Involved Office, Student's Union - where you will find information relevant to undertaking voluntary activity
The Blackboard virtual learning environment is used to support this module. Details are supplied in the module handbook.