An Exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Volunteerism in North American Social Service Organizations

Volunteerism, mental health, and well-being in the lesbian, gay and bisexual community

“…In another nationally representative study of adults in the US (n = 3,567), community engagement was associated with well-being (Hsieh & Liu, 2020). Smaller studies of LGBTQ+ volunteerism using convenience sampling have reported similar results and underscored three key themes: LGBTQ+ volunteers' needs for connectedness to other members of their community and socialization; a belief in organizational mission; and a motivation to meet the community's concerns and needs (Gates et al, 2016;Gates & Lillie, 2020). Additionally, a pilot study of 35 volunteers at a social service organization located in Rochester, NY underscored the critical role of a volunteer resource manager to create meaningful experiences, as well as conducting targeted recruitment and retention efforts attending to the ongoing training needs and motivations of LGBTQ+ volunteers, and the importance of conducting formal and informal assessments of their intentions and experiences (Gates et al, 2016).…”

“…While evidence suggests that volunteerism has a measurable impact upon mental health and well-being, few studies have examined the mental health experiences of LGBTQ+ volunteers (Musick & Wilson, 2003;Stukas, Hoye, Nicholson, Brown, & Aisbett, 2016). While historically not termed as "volunteerism," members of the LGBTQ+ community collaborated to create advocacy groups, promote social justice, and form voluntary social service organizations (Gates & Lillie, 2020). LGBTQ+ volunteerism and activism in the US emerged during the 1940s-1970s via advocacy efforts and groups promoting equality (e.g., Mattachine Society, Daughters of Bilitis, Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, Gay Liberation Front) and throughout the early 1980s driven in part by the social stigmatization of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (D'Emilio, 1998;Springate, 2016).…”

“…Additionally, a pilot study of 35 volunteers at a social service organization located in Rochester, NY underscored the critical role of a volunteer resource manager to create meaningful experiences, as well as conducting targeted recruitment and retention efforts attending to the ongoing training needs and motivations of LGBTQ+ volunteers, and the importance of conducting formal and informal assessments of their intentions and experiences (Gates et al, 2016). Motivations for volunteering among LGBTQ+ individuals in the US and Canada (N = 179) were associated with gaining hands-on experience, enhancing one's self esteem, socializing, coping with personal matters, and exploring a career in the social service sector (Gates & Lillie, 2020). The study noted such motivations be further examined to determine the impact on satisfaction with one's role as a volunteer or increase the potential for attrition (Gates & Lillie, 2020).…”

“…Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) volunteers provide needed contributions to social service organizations yet are often a hidden, under-recognized, and rarely surveyed community across the fields of social work, volunteerism, and mental health research (Gates & Lillie, 2020;Gates et al, 2016). Volunteers are defined as those who engage in community activities, under the auspices of a social service organization, in a regular and sustained way and often without remuneration, recognition, or reward (Overgaard, 2019).…”

“…to assess changes in self-esteem and self-worth, need for socialization and positive connections with others, elevating coping abilities to navigate life, etc.) (Gates & Lillie, 2020).…”