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A look at ASAE's Decision To Volunteer study
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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.
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