Why Researchers Choose Journal of Volunteer Administration for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Volunteer Administration serves as a vital resource for scholars and practitioners exploring the dynamics of volunteerism, nonprofit management, and service learning. Established to bridge theory and practice, this publication has fostered meaningful discourse on how volunteers drive organizational success and community impact. Researchers value its commitment to rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that address real-world challenges in volunteer administration. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal attracts contributions from fields like social work, public administration, and education, making it a cornerstone for advancing knowledge in volunteer programs.
Over the years, the Journal of Volunteer Administration has evolved to meet the growing demands of the nonprofit sector. Its articles often delve into topics such as volunteer recruitment, retention strategies, leadership development, and the measurement of volunteer contributions to societal goals. For academics, publishing here offers visibility among a dedicated audience of researchers, policymakers, and organizational leaders. The journal's emphasis on practical implications ensures that findings resonate beyond academia, influencing training programs and policy decisions. As volunteerism plays an increasingly critical role in addressing global issues like poverty and environmental sustainability, the journal provides a platform to showcase innovative research that informs best practices.
Scholars appreciate the journal's inclusive editorial process, which encourages diverse perspectives from emerging and established voices. Whether examining the role of volunteers in crisis response or the integration of service learning in higher education curricula, contributions highlight the transformative power of voluntary action. To maximize your research's reach, consider submitting work that aligns with current trends in nonprofit innovation. For those navigating academic careers, insights from this journal can guide professional development. Explore opportunities in higher education jobs or consult the academic calendar for key deadlines.
Overview & History
The Journal of Volunteer Administration, launched in 1982 by the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), has been a pioneering publication in the study of volunteer management. Initially focused on administrative aspects of volunteering, it has expanded to encompass broader themes in nonprofit operations and community engagement. Published quarterly, it maintains a tradition of high-quality scholarship that supports the nonprofit sector's growth. Key milestones include special issues on volunteerism during economic downturns and the digital transformation of volunteer coordination. Today, it remains essential for understanding evolving volunteer landscapes in the United States and beyond.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers a wide array of topics related to volunteer administration, emphasizing practical and theoretical insights. Core areas include volunteer motivation, program evaluation, and ethical considerations in nonprofit leadership.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Programs | Strategies for recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers. |
| Service Learning | Integration of community service in educational settings. |
| Nonprofit Management | Administrative and leadership challenges in voluntary organizations. |
| Social Work | Impact of volunteering on social welfare and community development. |
| Public Administration | Policy implications for volunteer involvement in public services. |
Key Journal Metrics
While specific metrics like impact factor are not publicly disclosed, the journal's influence is evident in its citation patterns within nonprofit literature.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Publication Frequency | Quarterly |
| ISSN Print | 0886-4113 |
| ISSN Electronic | null |
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Average Review Time | 3-6 months |
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Volunteer Administration is indexed in databases such as EBSCOhost and ProQuest, ensuring accessibility for researchers worldwide. It is not currently listed in Clarivate Journal Citation Reports or Scopus, but its articles are discoverable through Google Scholar. For open access visibility, check the official journal homepage. This indexing supports broader dissemination of research on volunteer programs.
Publication Model and Fees
ARNOVA operates a hybrid model, with subscription access for non-members and open access options for select articles. There are no article processing charges (APCs) for authors, though ARNOVA membership offers reduced fees for printing and distribution. This structure makes publishing accessible, particularly for scholars in service learning and nonprofit fields. Sherpa/RoMEO indicates green open access permissions, allowing authors to share preprints.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the journal's online portal on the ARNOVA website. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with a maximum of 8,000 words. Authors must include abstracts, keywords, and declarations of interest. The peer-review process is double-blind, emphasizing originality and relevance to volunteer administration. For detailed guidelines, visit the official site. Prepare your work by reviewing PhD programs in related disciplines.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Sarah Jane Glynn, comprises experts from universities across the United States. Notable members include specialists in volunteer psychology and nonprofit policy, ensuring diverse oversight. Their backgrounds in service learning enhance the journal's credibility in interdisciplinary research.
Why Publish in Journal of Volunteer Administration?
Publishing here connects your work to a network of nonprofit leaders and academics. It boosts your profile for tenure-track jobs and collaborations. The journal's focus on actionable insights amplifies real-world impact, distinguishing it for researchers in volunteer programs.
Comparison with Similar Journals
The Journal of Volunteer Administration differentiates through its practitioner-oriented approach compared to more theoretical peers.
| Journal | Focus | Publisher | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly | Broad nonprofit research | SAGE | More theoretical; higher impact factor |
| Voluntas | International volunteering | Springer | Global scope; multilingual abstracts |
| Journal of Community Practice | Community-based interventions | Taylor & Francis | Emphasizes social work applications |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your manuscript with the journal's emphasis on empirical evidence and practical relevance. Use clear methodologies and discuss implications for volunteer training. Engage with recent issues for trends. Network via ARNOVA conferences, and leverage tools like Rate My Professor for mentorship insights. Revise based on feedback to strengthen your submission to the Journal of Volunteer Administration.
