DECISION TO VOLUNTEER:

A LOOK AT THE 2007 STUDY BY

About the Study Study Rationale Study Framework

Five Key Findings to Apply to

Your Organization Now

ABOUT THE STUDY

What don’t we know about volunteering in

the U.S.?

Study Framework Sponsored by ASAE & The Center for

Association Leadership Collaboration with 23 cosponsoring

associations: engineering, health care, education,

professional and technical fields range of tax classifications; national,

international membership, demographic profiles

Study Framework Random sample of the active

membership of these organizations + full sample of the known volunteers (weighted)

Internet survey fielded Nov. – Dec. 2007 26,305 respondents, overall 14%

response rate (margin of error < 1%)

FIVE KEY FINDINGS

1. NOT ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE ALIKE

Patterns of Association Volunteering

Local Leaders Focused on local chapter board and

committee service Mentoring, coaching, tutoring, and

membership recruitment Two thirds at entry or mid-career

levels of employment.

WritersThe “subject matter experts” of

your organization: Presentations, expert panels Publishing Standards review

Teachers Mentoring, coaching, tutoring,

professional advice and membership recruitment

Contribute the fewest volunteer hours for the cosponsor organization

Lower satisfaction levels

Shapers Engaged in every activity and perform the

majority of volunteer work within the associations participating in this study. Mentoring Membership recruitment Local and national board and committee

service Presentations Fund raising

Older ages, longer membership span, more academic backgrounds, more senior career levels.

Highest satisfaction levels.

Volunteering & the Family Life Cycle

Differences among generations are subtle.

Difference more noticeable along professional & family situations.

Many paradoxes exist …

Many paradoxesYounger members less engaged in association volunteering now but more likely to see the benefits of volunteerism generally.

Many paradoxesOlder members more engaged in volunteering now but less likely to intend to volunteer in future.

Many paradoxesMembers with families less likely to volunteer for associations but more likely to seek connections to professional world through volunteering.

Many paradoxesNon-U.S. volunteers less likely to volunteer now but more likely to volunteer for professional reasons.

2. IT’S POSSIBLE TO INCREASE ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERING

First the good news… Association members an ideal demographic group for volunteer recruitment:History Family traditionSkilledSatisfiedLink to career path

Address the Realities …Community and professional volunteering – they need to see value We need to work harder to demonstrate professional & societal value

Deliver on the professional benefits Get their attention

3. UNDERSTANDING WHY PEOPLE VOLUNTEER

The “Pro-Social” Volunteer:Making a difference for

others/society* +

Career Benefits * Such as building a stronger profession

Reasons People Volunteer

Top Reasons Members Volunteer

1. Do something for profession/cause important to me

2. Its important to help others3. Feel compassion for others 4. Gain new perspectives5. Explore my own strengths6. Volunteering important to people I

respect

4. UNDERSTANDING EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

Power of the Direct AskHow did you first learn about

volunteering?Direct Ask ... 51% were Asked by staff or another volunteer Local chapter or section Meeting or conference

While only 13% Answered a call for volunteers, ad,

website or Contacted organization

Why do members begin volunteering?1.Meaningful opportunity2.Right skills3.Accessible location 4.Interest in volunteering / No loss of income

5.Short-term assignment

Why do members begin volunteering?More interesting reasons … More information about opportunities

Organization will train me My employer supports me I knew I could make a difference to my profession or work

I was actually asked

5. RETAINING VOLUNTEERS AND ATTRACTING NON-VOLUNTEERS

Why don’t members volunteer?Uncontrollable reasons:Time constraintsFamily or professional responsibilities

But the #1 reason is controllable!

Why don’t members volunteer?Top 5 (controllable) reasons: 1. Lack of information about volunteer

opportunities. 2. Volunteer elsewhere.3. Never asked to volunteer.4. Lack of information about virtual

volunteer opportunities.5. Lack of information about short-

term assignments.

Other barriers: Lack of follow through Inadequate expense reimbursement No tangible benefits Lack of recognition Tension with staff or other volunteers Limitations imposed by job (or

employer)

Ten Commandments for Improving your Volunteer Program

I. Know thy membership.II. No cookie-cutter approaches.III. Link your volunteer program to your mission.IV. Match opportunities and skills.V. Treat volunteer involvement as a member

benefit.VI. Recognize all volunteer contributions.VII. Effective volunteer programs must be

adequately resourced.VIII. … But money isn’t everything.IX. Train staff to work with volunteers.X. Don’t write off the non-volunteer.