Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Communication

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine volunteer training that American Cancer Society Relay For Life volunteers receive in a rural and non-rural county. A qualitative study was conducted by interviewing Relay For Life volunteers from Edmonson County, KY and Warren County, KY. The data generated three overarching themes: Training was inconsistent, there was ineffective quality and quantity of training, and relevance and experience play a role in the differences between training in a rural and non-rural county. These findings offer insight into the ways in which the American Cancer Society and other nonprofit organizations may improve their volunteer training. This case study not only provides suggestions to the American Cancer Society, but also adds to the nonprofit and communication literature on volunteer training. Practical implications, as well as limitations and future research, are discussed.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Jennifer Mize Smith

Disciplines

Communication

Included in

Communication Commons

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