PDF format. Articles
Abstracts from Volume 9 Issue 1
An analysis of volunteer motivation: implications for international development
Ruth Unstead-Joss,
Youth for Development programme, VSO
Through an analysis of VSO volunteers’ motivation, this article contributes to debates on the implications of individuals’ behaviour within the international development context. The relevance of understanding why individuals ‘do VSO’ is emphasised, in view of VSO’s role as a major agency through which the UK contributes to overseas development objectives. The article reveals that issues of power and powerlessness between the volunteer and their host community in-country may underlie individuals’ intentions to become a volunteer. However, individuals’ motivation for change in their own life, as well as their wish to build their understanding of the world, might help overcome these issues once in-country. It is suggested that the relationships volunteers establish with local people in-country motivate volunteers to remain active participants within the development process on their return to the UK. In terms of volunteer management, the study reveals not only that it is relevant to contemplate the implications of VSO volunteers’ motivations in the context in which they act, but also that the context itself influences their motivation. Of particular relevance is the strength of the partnership between VSO and partner organisations in-country.
The impact of volunteering on successful
ageing: a review with implications for
programme design
Young-joo Lee
Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of
Public and International Affairs,
University of Georgia
Jeffrey L. Brudney
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs,
Cleveland State University
This article examines the health effects of volunteering for older adults. It first presents a review of the literature on the positive health effects of volunteering, and investigates the mechanisms through which volunteering affects older people’s health. The article then describes nine volunteer programmes for older adults that have achieved a reputation for excellence, as documented by research literature, media accounts and awards received. Based on examination of these initiatives, we analyse successful designs for volunteer programmes for older adults to maximise positive health effects. The article concludes with further recommendations for programme success.
Free to choose – so why choose
volunteering? Exploring independence and
social action in the Finnish Church
Anne Birgitta Yeung
Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies,
University of
Helsinki
Through an analysis of church volunteering in Finland, this article looks at whether, in our late-modern times when individualism appears to be valued above solidarity, there is still a place for traditional institutions, traditional social ties and traditional altruism. What are the consequences of increased freedom? Why on earth would people still yearn for collective action? The conclusion is that compassionate and altruistic actions, such as volunteering, need not necessarily conflict with the values of freedom and individualism. In fact, volunteering is often experienced as a broadening of one’s
individuality: for example, by developing skills, encountering new situations and enjoying inner growth.
Philantherapy: a benefit for personnel
and organisations managing volunteers(volunteer therapy)
Peter A. Konwerski and Honey W. Nashman
George Washington University,
Washington, DC
Participation in community volunteerism exists along a spectrum of service. This continuum leads to short and long-term effects on the individual. The reciprocal exchange experienced by participants can be defined by the term ‘philantherapy’: a consequence derived from meaningful community action. While a positive correlation between such benefits and volunteer habits has limited reporting in quantitative measures, the widespread qualitative data consulted in this literature review supports philantherapy and the assertion that volunteering benefits the volunteer. Philantherapy emphasises the reciprocal exchange that has a treatment affect on participant and community. It is crucial for the effective management of volunteer programmes that support the practice of volunteerism to take into account how individuals can be supported, as their experience is enhanced through participation in service endeavours. Mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health outcomes can be derived from volunteerism.
Review: One step forward and two steps
backward? Towards a theory of voluntary action
Colin Rochester
Roehampton University
