Social Work Faculty Publications

Exploring the Influence of Religion among the Most Active Volunteer Service Club Members

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 2005

Journal Title

Social Work and Christianity

ISSN

0737-5778

Volume

32

Issue

2

First Page

133

Last Page

150

Abstract

Using an in-depth case study method, this study explored how similar language, symbols, and rituals foster a cultural expectation for helping oth- ers that is congruent to both religious and volunteer service club settings. Emerging themes suggest that religious beliefs and a sense of patriotism influenced the participation of the most active volunteer members in two service clubs from the Southeast and Midwest. Implications include sup- port for Cnaan's "club theory" as well as a reminder for social workers to take note of and appreciate the influences that may stir the most active volunteers to participate in community service.

Keywords

Members, religion, service, volunteer, volunteerism

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