Rediscovering Voluntary Action

Volunteering and voluntary organizations have become increasingly important in British social and political life but at a cost. Greater prominence has led to a narrow and distorted view of what voluntary action involves and how it is undertaken. This book reasserts the case for a broader view of voluntarism as a unique set of autonomous activities.

"A breath of fresh air and clarity in the world of muddle and fudge that is today's voluntary sector" - Stephen Cook, Editor, Third Sector

"The message of this new book is clear, vital, and most welcome" - Jon Van Tyl, Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Community Development, Rutgers University, USA

"This tour de force by one of Britain's leading thinkers on the subject reminds us that the range of voluntary action is far more diverse and variable than politicians, the public at large and even those who consider themselves part of the 'sector' understand or appreciate. The time is right to reassess and reassert its value." - Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research, Directory of Social Change, UK

"This book offers a much needed critique of why voluntary action today takes the form it does. It is also a spirited call for activism and a timely reminder for us all to cherish the roots of voluntary action and not to let unwanted change creep up on us unawares." - Steven Howlett, University of Roehampton, UK

"Rediscovering Voluntary Action's analysis and critique of how volunteering and voluntary organisations have been reconceptualised in recent years are much-needed and indeed long overdue... [It] sets out its arguments and analysis clearly and logically and in accessible language. It is also a valuable reference text." - Youth and Society

"[Colin Rochester] is one of the most intelligent, articulate and rooted academics of the voluntary sector and writes with a passion and fluency that is always thought-provoking and never less than engaging. His latest tome, Rediscovering Voluntary Action, is no different, and I enjoyed it immensely." - Justin Davis Smith, Third Sector

"[This book] sets out the picture in crystal clear English, including the story of efforts by the state to incorporate voluntary and charitable activities within its own policy frameworks, and the willing compliance in this of all too many organisations and their leaderships. This is a significant academic contribution, drawing upon organisation and social theory, and voluntary sector research, as well as the author's very considerable past and current engagement in the sector" - Adrian Barritt, Chief Officer, Adur Voluntary Action

"It's wonderfully written and makes a great case for the non-instrumental source of much voluntary action" - Nicholas Acheson, Lecturer in Social Policy, University of Ulster, UK

"This is a detailed, yet engaging, vital read for anyone engaged with or for communities and their supporters. It provokes us away from trite and hackneyed 'answers'." - James Derounian, Principal Lecturer in Community Development and Local Governance, University of Gloucestershire, UK

"This is an authoritative and thought-provoking analysis of voluntary action by someone who knows his subject intimately but is able to see and articulate the bigger picture." - The Association ofCharitable Organisations

"This is an ambitious and accessible book about some of the most important challenges facing contemporary voluntary workers, volunteers, policy makers, and academic commentators . . . Colin Rochester has taken a committed and courageous route through some key issues and challenges in contemporary voluntary action. His provocative book deserves to be widely read in order to stimulate creative debate." - The Association for Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector

"Raises important questions about the larger purpose and meaning of voluntary action in society, and challenges the dominant thinking which has focused on the voluntary sector and voluntary action in terms of policy impact and its role and effectiveness in delivering services . . . a useful resource for scholars, students, practitioners, and policy-makers who are interested in understanding voluntary action and civil society in Britain." - LSE Review of Books

"Rochester brings a passionate concern for the future of voluntary action, its distinctive qualities and, above all, its independence to the dilemmas that many voluntary organisations are struggling with." - Voluntary Sector Review

Colin Rochester is Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, UK. He has previously co-authored Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century.