Title

Socio-econmonic Stratification, Disorganized Volunteerism, and the Key to Multicultural Diversity

Presenter Information

Sue B. WhatleyFollow

Learning outcomes for presentation (at least 3)

To examine organized volunteerism and charitable contributions.

To examine disorganized volunteerism and charitable contributions.

To promote the goals of multicultural diversity by examining how disorganized volunteerism offers the opportunity for friendships.

Abstract

The presentation will ask the participants to examine the impediments of "organized volunteerism" in terms of accomplishing the goals of multicultural diversity.

Keywords: Diversity, Multiculturalism, Socio-Economic stratification, friendship, organized volunteerism, disorganized volunteerism, charity

Session Outline

Socio-econmonic Stratification, Disorganized Volunteerism,

and the Key to Multicultural Diversity

In the last few years, there has been a proliferation of requests for donations to organized charities. It has become the expected norm to be asked if we would like to “round up” our payment at fast food counters or grocery stores. There is nothing inherently wrong with organized volunteerism and charitable organizations; indeed, various groups have worked diligently to raise massive amounts of money for those in need and for research. I have been both a recipient of and a contributor to these highly structured collectives. These organized activities provide awareness and a safe environment in which to become involved.

And yet, when volunteer opportunities spring from organizations, they automatically structure an “us/they dichotomy.” Often the recipient feels the embarrassment of being a recipient, and even when they don’t face their donors (because the dichotomy is hidden behind the institutional organization), there is de-personalization and very little exchange of ideas or culture between individuals. Three experiences in my early days of volunteerism—charitable giving of time and resources—have led me to the conclusion that for the purposes of the embracing of multicultural diversity, these charitable systems fail. Disorganized volunteerism springs from seeing need and acting on our personal empathy to relieve suffering; it is this type of charitable act that I would like to examine.

I will have the following sections to my presentation:

a)Past involvement with organized volunteerism

b)Discussion of the problems which arose

c)Scholarship on Diversity and Multiculturalism

d)Examples of Disorganized Volunteerism and its many outcomes

e)Affirmation that the purposes of diversity and multiculturalism training are accomplished better by Disorganized Volunteerism.

Time Frame of Presentation

50 minutes

Category

x. Other:

Session format (lecture, roundtable, or other)

Lecture

Audience

Students, Faculty, Community, Other institutions