importance of family ties and behaviour is still difficult to under-
estimate even in modern communities in which work, leisure and
spiritual activities that were previously family-based may now be
carried on outside the family home.
In the present context, however, it is vital to consider the role of
voluntary sector organisations in carrying out activities that might
otherwise be the subject of market or government determination.
Churches are an interesting example of voluntary organisations,
since, as we have seen, in earlier times they have frequently had a
legal monopoly of matters that are now seen as predominantly
matters for the state or the individual. For members of these bodies
their decisions may retain a greater legitimacy than those of the state.
Churches retain a commitment to charitable works and to influencing
government policy on ‘moral’ issues from contraception to debt relief
to the South.
More generally a whole range of voluntary organisations carry out
co-operative activities which enable their members to achieve
satisfaction with little reference to either the market or state sector of
the economy. Examples of this include: leisure groups such as football
clubs or ramblers’ groups, educational groups such as the play school
and Franco-British University of the Third Age movements. Eco-
nomic activities such as providing food or clothing may take place via
allotment and knitting societies. Some of the oldest voluntary groups
provide welfare services to their members (friendly societies, the
Masons and alumni associations). The British Royal National Life-
boat Institution is an interesting example of the provision of what
might be expected to be a state-financed ‘public good’ (a free, public,
emergency sea rescue service).
Most voluntary organisations, however, do relate to the state in one
or both of two ways. First, they may provide services to the com-
munity in collaboration with the government – and increasingly often
as contractors to it. Thus, in Britain, the Women’s Royal Voluntary
Service often delivers ‘meals on wheels’ to social services departments’
clients. National Health Service hospitals are supported by Leagues of
Friends who may raise additional funds for specialist equipment, visit
lonely patients, or drive outpatients to the hospital. The National
Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children has special legal powers
in its work of protecting children. Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, staffed
by volunteers, are usually financed by local councils.216 POLICIES