Volunteer - what me?

nfpSynergy is a UK research consultancy for not for profit organisations (e.g. charities, housing associations and public bodies).

It publishes some interesting reports and research. I was particularly interested in its latest research about volunteering. (Who volunteers? Volunteering trends: 2000-2007).It is free registration.

The above chart provides the results (by age) to the question: “Have you given time as a volunteer in the last three months, to a charity or other organisation, or in your local community?”

How interesting that 54-64 year olds is the only demographic group where volunteering has decreased. This helps explain the problems I had, when working with a volunteering organisation, to drum up enthusiasm with this age group. Methinks this is a cohort effect that is going to continue as this group ages. I wonder why this is happening?

Maybe it's a generational factor? Many of this group rejected all of the traditional types of structures and still do? Obviously, it will differ by lifestyle.

Beware anybody who thinks they are going to harness a well of goodwill towards volunteering from this bunch. Dick Stroud

White collar volunteering – who will stick the stamps?

I find this report about volunteering depressing.

The Corporation for National & Community Service has produced a detailed document about the future of volunteering and the impact of the retiring Boomer hordes.

Now here is the rub. The type of volunteer work Boomers do has a big impact on whether they stay with it over time. Retention from the first year of volunteering to the second year is highest when they're involved in professional or management activities, such as strategic planning, marketing or volunteer coordination. Nearly three-quarters of boomers performing those typically white-collar duties returned the following year, as did 71% of those who volunteered in music or other performance activities.

Seven out of 10 who tutor, mentor or coach also stick with it into a second year.

Those involved in general labor and rote tasks such as driving, construction and meal preparation were least likely to continue volunteering the following year, with only 56% persisting.

This is the volunteering equivalent to the problem of trying to find a plumber.

I can find mentors, creative writers, planners, coordinators, strategists, marketers, researchers galore but somebody to mend a leaking tap or install a new electric plug is like gold dust. I have this image of volunteering organizations festooned with committees – advisory boards – management groups and inspiration outreach workers, all populated by deadly serious reitred Boomers, whilst a few poor dorks are left to do all of the real work. Dick Stroud