Voluntary Counselling Services in Melbourne: A Survey

The paper reports on a survey of aspects of counselling services provided by 83 voluntary organisations operating in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Information was obtained on the types of counselling services provided, clients making use of the services, and the selection and supervision of counsellors. The findings showed that the voluntary sector of organisations providing counselling services is both highly active and very heterogeneous.     

Model for an Employee Wellness Project

Abstract

A pilot project designed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a health-related employee assistance program was implemented at the University of South Carolina. One hundred interested participants were randomly selected from university faculty and administrative staff. The project utilized the following methods: 1) psychophysical tests including health risk appraisals, health knowledge levels, physical activity assessments, psychological batteries of tests, and biophysical data obtained through a treadmill stress test, percent body fat, blood analysis, blood pressure, and pulmonary function; 2) individual health consultants who served to inform, model, and encourage participants to practice healthful behaviors; 3) group programs related to self-care/wellness promotion techniques; 4) mass media contact to repeat and reinforce healthful behaviors; 5) wellness-oriented social activities, such as fun runs, meatless covered dish dinners, etc.

Results of the project included statistically significant pre/post change in weight, percent body fat, physical activity scores, health knowledge levels, pulmonary function, and self-esteem.

The positive, enthusiastic group attitude and sustained project involvement all suggest the effectiveness of the model as an employee health intervention program.     

Results from a strategic planning process: Benefits for a nonprofit organization

A nonprofit professional organization in education undertook a strategic planning process to address challenges, refine its mission and principles statement, and obtain feedback from the members in order to better meet their needs and move the organization forward in a cohesive and purposeful manner. Three key planning tools were used to collect data informing development of the new strategic plan. This article describes the design and implementation of these tools and reports key findings for each. We explain how we used the findings to inform revision of the mission statement and development of the strategic plan and discuss benefits of the process and implications for the future.     

Health Alive!

Abstract

“Preventable Sudden Death: The Long Q-T Syndrome,” E. U. NEEL, M.D. The syndrome of long Q-T interval (LQTS) must be included in the differential diagnosis of an adolescent with syncope. A case of cardiac arrest in a patient with LQTS is presented and discussed. The method for identifying these patients through using Bazett's formula is included. Treatment with beta blockers (propranolol) appears to be indicated in patients with prolonged QTc interval and syncope if the high mortality from ventricular arrhythmias is the be prevented. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher from “Preventable Sudden Death: The ‘Long Q-T Syndrome’,” by E. U. Neel, Journal of Adolescent Health Care 2, 49–51, Copyright 1981 by Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.)     

Beyond Organic and Fair Trade? An Analysis of Ecolabel Preferences in the United States

The success of alternative food initiatives indicates increasing interest in changing the way food is produced, processed, and sold. Ecolabels such as organic and Fair Trade have entered the mainstream marketplace, and other voluntary identifiers on products are emerging to address criteria not included in these successful initiatives. Little is known about consumer interests in these criteria, however. To anticipate the direction of food‐system changes, as well as assist food producers to meet consumer demands, we conducted a national mail survey to assess preferences for criteria that go “beyond” (or could complement) organic and Fair Trade. We utilized a forced‐choice paired‐comparisons question format to rank five possibilities (humane, local, living wage, small‐scale, U.S. grown) that might feasibly be implemented by food producers. Local was the most popular choice, although humane also received a high level of support. Multilevel logistic regression indicated that local was preferred by rural residents, and that humane was preferred by frequent organic consumers and high‐income households. Survey respondents also chose product labels more frequently than other potential sources of information about their food. Preferences for local and humane ecolabel criteria should be placed in perspective, as consumers expressed much higher levels of interest in the more individualized concerns of safety and nutrition. The results suggest, however, that consumers are interested in a food system that addresses broader political and ethical values, which has implications for production, marketing, and movement building for sustainable food systems.     

Serials from the Other Side: An Editorial Perspective on Current Trends in Scholarly Communication

The panel session for the 22nd North Carolina Serials Conference brought together perspectives from current and former journal editors about their careers and changes in the publishing industry. Moderated by Patricia Hudson, David Goldfield discussed his experience with the Journal of Urban History; Elaine Hubal talked about her experience with the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology; and Priscilla Wald discussed her experience as editor of American Literature. A question and answer session followed the presentation.     

Are extension requests an opportunity to support student self-management skills?

Self-regulation, self-management, and coping skills are essential personal attributes for social work graduates who often work with clients with complex and traumatic histories. This study explored self-management skills in students applying for extensions of time to complete assignments. Participants were 117 students enrolled in a second-year undergraduate social work subject. Requests were analyzed in two ways: (1) did the request meet the university policy criteria for approval; and (2) thematic analysis of requests that did not meet criteria to identify the reasons students were providing to support their request. A quarter of students in the course applied for an extension. The overwhelming majority of requests did not meet the university’s policy criteria for approval, with only two having a valid reason and the required documentation. The primary reason for extension requests in this cohort was poor self-management skills, specifically time-management and coping. Despite not meeting university policy requirements, all requests were approved. The results from this study confirm that most students applying for extension requests are not eligible for an extension. The reasons provided demonstrate problems coping with course requirements because of self-management problems. Implications for supporting students and staff are discussed.