For many nonprofit organizations, volunteers have served a vital purpose in roles ranging from administrative to facility management. Recruitment and retention of volunteers has remained consistent over the past several decades. With an aging population and the reality of baby boomers entering the next phase of their lives, new ways of recruiting these mature, skilled individuals as volunteers are emerging.

Dr. Jesse Bolinger is a strong believer in rural communities and in volunteerism. Through his research, new ideas on the procurement and retention of volunteers has emerged. He presents a compelling case for their past work experience, educational background and mental health to play a significant role in their selection for volunteer positions and as a tool for retaining them in areas that best suit these three basic elements.