Empowering Youth Volunteerism: The Importance and Global Motivating Factors

Abstract

The positive impacts that volunteerism carries are undeniable, as it does not only mould quality human capital for the nation, but through it, we are also preparing future generation to lead the country. Malaysia currently has 1.2 million university students, however, unfortunately there is a lack of recent study of the involvement of the university students in volunteerism. Realizing the importance of the involvement of the undergraduate student in volunteerism as it acts as a tool to inculcate the sense of morality in self and social responsibility towards the country, this study seeks to highlight the importance of volunteerism as a tool for educating the youth. It also analyzes a global overview of youths volunteerism with a comparison being made to the local scenario. Most importantly, factors that motivated them in volunteering are also discussed so as to provide a guideline in empowering youth volunteerism.

Socio-Political Influence and Youth’s Leadership Participation in Malaysia: A Conceptual Model Extending TPB

“…Their research found the importance of future success, importance of future independence and future service as the motivations for youth's future political participation. Other studies (Sahri et al, 2013;Ali, 2002) recorded similar results as McFarland and Thomas (2006) that university students' participation in community volunteer activities was very limited in Malaysia due to lack of commitment and self-motivation.…”

“…It involves organizing extra-curricular activities, community service and community representation, speaking in public forum, voting, campaigns, political parties, community projects and generating communal identity (Burns et al, 2001;Gazzar, 2011;Gray et al, 2010;McFarland & Thomas, 2006). Leadership participation was operationally defined in terms of youth's involvement in political activities such as voting, contesting for membership in student parliament, organizing extracurricular activities in school/community and involvement in volunteer activities (Gazzar, 2011;McFarland & Thomas, 2006;Pandrian, 2014;Sahri et al, 2013;UNDP, 2012).…”

Contemporary Issues and Development in the Global Halal Industry

“…Mohd Sirajuddin et al (2013) highlight that the term halalan tayyiban provides more holistic and comprehensive explanation of the halal concept, in which halal means permissible and lawful, while the term tayyib means good. As explained in the verse Al-Maidah (88):…”

“…According to Sahri et al (2013), studies in countries such as the USA, the UK, China, Africa and Australia have shown that among the motivation factor for youth volunteerism are altruism, personal development, an unforgettable experience, career advancement and public recognition. According to Sahri et al (2013), studies in countries such as the USA, the UK, China, Africa and Australia have shown that among the motivation factor for youth volunteerism are altruism, personal development, an unforgettable experience, career advancement and public recognition.…”

Why Youths Choose to Become Volunteers: From the Perspective of Belief

“…Volunteerism can help young people to develop their capacity and skills to become active leaders and citizens. Studies show that young people engaged in volunteering develop positive social behaviors that can help reduce negative risk taking (Siti, 2002;Mardhiyyah et al, 2013;Turiman et al, 2011, Crocetti et al, 2014. Volunteering can also help young people prepare for employment and their transition to responsible adulthood.…”