Factors Affecting Decisions to Volunteer in Nongovernmental Organizations

Abstract

In 1997, we surveyed members of the Appalachian Trail Conference to identify characteristics and assess motivations of the active and nonactive members in this organization. We investigated the effects of social networks, competing commitments, lifestyle changes, personal growth, and belief of the efficacy of one’s actions on decisions to become and remain active members. We found the determining factors in decisions regarding volunteer activity were competing commitments and efficacy. Active members indicated that the efficacy of their actions was most important in their decision to participate, whereas nonactive members cited the importance of competing commitments in their decision not to participate. Recruitment and retention of volunteers may be aided by increasing the awareness of volunteer programs, ensuring that programs provide results of which individuals are proud, requesting the participation of individuals on both local and national levels, and recognizing volunteers for their contributions.

Predictors of Youth Voluntary Participation in Urban Agriculture Programme in Malaysia: A Review

“…In addition, neither of these studies found correlations between active participation and marital status, education or employment status, whereas Koehler & Koontz (2008) found a significant correlation between participation and gender, however, Martinez & McMullin, (2004) did not. Another study conducted by Simpkins, Ripke, Huston, & Eccles (2005) reported demographic variables as predictor of youth participation in a number of out-of-school programmes.…”

“…Regarding income, Koehler & Koontz (2008) found no significant association to active participation; while Martinez & McMullin (2004) found that, active members actually tend to have lower incomes than those who are not active participants. Studies showed that people are considerably more likely to volunteer after a personal appeal (Martinez & McMullin, 2004;Smith, 1994).…”

“…Studies showed that people are considerably more likely to volunteer after a personal appeal (Martinez & McMullin, 2004;Smith, 1994). In fact, according to Smith (1994) being asked to volunteer has been identified as the strongest predictor of volunteer behaviour, above attitudinal, motivational, or demographic influences.…”

Environmental Participation and Environmental Motivation

“…However, to date only a few studies have analyzed the factors impacting on the participation in environmental organizations (Mohai, 1992;Thompson and Barton, 1994;Martinez and McMullin, 2004). The advantage of focusing on direct participation in environmental organizations is that individuals' behavior can be measured.…”

“…The age effect is now less visible, but we still observe that the AGE group [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] has the strongest probability of doing unpaid work and that both education and political interest have a significant and positive impact on environmental engagement. Moreover, we also observe that the "never married" individuals are the most active in environmental organizations.…”