CCBH Summer Conference, 28-30 June 2006, Institute of Historical Research, University of London

Voluntary action, in a great variety of forms, has a very long history in Britain. Much has been written about the roles of voluntary organisations, especially in urban communities in the 19th century and before, much less about the 20th and early 21st centuries. Some suggest that it is currently in decline due, e.g. to the decline of religious belief and the increased employment of women. Others dispute this. The government, meanwhile, is trying to encourage volunteering. This conference aims to explore the range and the place of voluntary action in British society over the past century, in what respects it has changed and the influences upon change.

Full details of the call for papers can be found at our website. Papers are invited on all aspects of voluntary organisation and volunteering. Brief abstracts (c.200 words) should be emailed to Virginia Preston (virginia.preston@sas.ac.uk).