Perceptions of volunteer sector under government contract services

TitlePerceptions of volunteer sector under government contract services
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsPedscalny B
AdvisorHunter G
Academic DepartmentSocial Work
DegreeMaster of Social Work M.S.W.
Number of Pages104
UniversityUniversity of Regina (Canada)
CityRegina, SK
Abstract

The volunteer sector has made many contributions throughout history. This sector has assisted in bringing issues to public attention, spurred social movements and inspired national policies. Since the strong political swing of neo-conservative fiscal cutbacks and downsizing in social services however, the activities of the volunteer sector have evolved from an advocate to provider of social service provisions. Volunteer organizations are increasingly entering into funding contracts with government agencies to provide services and programs that were once a governmental domain.This study is an exploration into the situation and experiences of the volunteer sector. It seeks to explore the circumstances that volunteer organizations are faced with while providing social services and programs under government contract systems. Fifteen individuals of the volunteer sector in Regina were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Their responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis and presented according to the main emerging themes. The future of the volunteer sector as participants, innovators and flexible service providers under the current systems appears bleak. Many participants felt that the future will prevail with the status quo while others saw smaller organizations monopolized by larger agencies or for-profits takeovers.

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