Summary: Can an organization turn to volunteers to fill gaps when budgets are cut and employees laid off? This ancient question has resurfaced, for obvious economic reasons. Most volunteer program leaders feel their stomachs tighten when this issue is raised. But we have to let our brains keep working and find a way to respond with care and concern when our organizations are struggling for their lives. Economic crisis is a teachable moment, with the potential to educate everyone about smart, motivating engagement of volunteers.
