Volunteerism Develops Communities, Trains Leaders, and Guards Democracy: Odessa, Texas 1896-1948

Author

Debra Noe Gibbs, University of Texas Permian Basin

Date of Award

Summer 8-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Supervisory Committee Chair

Roger Olien, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

H. Warren Gardner, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Duane M. Leach, Ph.D.

Abstract

Volunteers were an essential tool used to build our nation and communities. The creation and maintenance of communities across the United States relied heavily on the activities of volunteers and their organizations in order to meet the endless needs of both the citizens and the infrastructure. Furthermore, volunteer organizations provided an increase and stability in democracy and in building communities in a variety of ways. First, volunteer organizations filled needs that the government was not able to meet. Second, they were training grounds for developing the skills needed to manage communities. Volunteer associations, by providing avenues and developing skills, helped expand democracy to include those left unrepresented or underrepresented. Third, volunteerism provided an avenue for women and other marginalized groups to engage in policy-making. By seeing the needs of the community and then taking action to meet those needs, volunteer efforts clearly helped develop communities.

Recommended Citation

Gibbs, Debra Noe, "Volunteerism Develops Communities, Trains Leaders, and Guards Democracy: Odessa, Texas 1896-1948" (2003). Graduate Theses. 28.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-cas/28