Why People Volunteer

There are many excellent articles on the web about why people volunteer. They cover a range of reasons from a personal connection to the cause, to learning skills to making new friends.

Any survey of volunteers would probably show a real mix of reasons that they care about and remained involved with an organization. Many of them would be similar to the reasons people give money to nonprofits. But, it had to start somewhere. People don't usually go out shopping for volunteer opportunities. Why do they volunteer?

One simple reason: Somebody asked.

• There is nothing more powerful, convincing or compelling than to be asked.
• Think of what you do voluntarily, if you like or admire the person who is asking there’s a good chance you’ll get involved.
• If the person asking is prestigious, powerful or influential, the chances are good you will say yes.
• Being asked can be an honor.
• Conversely, not being asked can feel like a slight.

If you are doing the asking, try and make a direct connection to the person whose services you want. As important as asking is, you’ll get a stronger commitment, and possibly a longer lasting one, if there is a personal connection or emotional attachment to your vision or cause.

Why Don’t People Volunteer

Another interesting perspective is the reasons people DON’T volunteer. If you think there is a decrease in volunteerism and that people were more likely to be involved in the “old days,” you are right and it comes down to one reason according to this interesting study. The detailed analysis explores possible reasons including:

• Time pressures
  
• Economic hard times or the opposite
  
• Residential mobility
  
• Suburbanization
  
• Working women
  
• Disruption of marriage and family ties
  
• And finally: television

Why People Volunteer is one of many pages on Volunteer Management