1. Home
  2. Students
  3. Chapter 30 - Volunteerism and Change in Faith-Based Food Assistance Organizing

Chapter 30 - Volunteerism and Change in Faith-Based Food Assistance Organizing

Liliya Yakova

Synopsis

The first part of the following case tells the story of Kevin, a client and volunteer working at a church food pantry. In the story Kevin faces Sandy Churman, another food pantry volunteer who criticizes Kevin for overstepping organizational rules. In Part II Josh Lambert, the food pantry director, meets challenges as he tries to affirm his leadership position. Josh encounters difficulties with volunteer attitudes towards poverty and serving individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Keywords: Volunteer Organization, Organizational Culture, Organizational Socialization, Organizational Change, Faith-based Organizing

Key Takeaways and Take a Stand Form

Key Terms and Takeaways

  1. Volunteer versus Non-Volunteer Organization — This case aims to demonstrate some of the challenges a volunteer-based organization faces as it tries to achieve its goals. I wish that the students think about the uniqueness of volunteer organizations. Are they more or less vulnerable than organizations relying on paid labor? How much control does volunteer organization leadership possess over the functioning of the volunteer organization if the organization is dependent on volunteers (and volunteers can leave any minute if they are unhappy)? I do not aim to suggest there is a right or wrong answer to this question. Nor do I wish to suggest one approach to addressing volunteer organization challenges, but I certainly wish for students to consider what the challenges are and what could be done to tackle them.
  2. Organizational Rules and Culture — I also would like that students think about organizational rules and culture. What happens when organizational rules do not make sense to some organizational members? What are the potential consequences of this situation?
  3. Conflict in organizations — Another takeaway is how to handle and negotiate interpersonal conflict in organizations. The case does not illustrate well how this is done, but it raises this question through the example in Part I (conversation between Kevin and Sandy).
  4. Organizational transition and change — The case aims to raise questions about the intricacies of organizational change (e.g., leadership transition). Important questions to discuss here are: What challenges do organizational members meet as the organization goes through a transition? or How to forget the old and embrace the new when the old feels right? Could embracing the new be more challenging in a volunteer organizations versus non-volunteer organizations?
  5. Organizational socialization — I also would like for students to think about an individual’s organizational socialization. Using the example of Josh’s organizational socialization, students can discuss the types of uncertainties that an organizational newcomer faces, as well as how the newcomer navigates these uncertainties.

Take a Stand Form