Volunteer

international | miscellaneous | opinion/analysis

Saturday May 28, 2005 11:24

by Sean Crudden - Cooley Environmental and Health Group

sean at cooleyehg dot com

Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth.

087 9739945

Why People Volunteer

The following passage may appear to be a string of non-sequiturs. That's just the punctuation. It is in fact a (slightly banal) list of reasons why people volunteer to take part in community development and other altruistic, organised and unpaid activity and work.

To help someone. To feel needed. To make a difference. To gain or improve skills. Because a friend pressured them. Because they have time on their hands. To get to know a new neighbourhood. To test themselves. For escape. To become an insider. To become an agent of change. To explore a career. Because they are bored. To have something to get up for. For fun. As therapy. To do something different from their job. To demonstrate commitment to a cause. To keep busy. To do something with a family member. To learn the truth. To do one’s share. As an excuse to do something they love. To donate their professional skills. To have an impact. To make new friends. For recognition. To get a better chance in life. For work experience. To give something back. For religious reasons. To repay a debt. To get out of the house. To do their civic duty. To be with people who are different. Because the agency is close by. To be part of a team. To be an advocate. To gain status. To learn about Irish culture. Because there is no-one else to do it. To feel good. Because they can’t do paid work. Personal experience with a problem. Guilt. Because of concern for the client group. To gain access to services themselves. To be challenged. To experiment. As an alternative to giving money. To be a watchdog. To feel proud. Because they were asked. To stand up and be counted.

Adapted from Ellis, Susan J, 1996, the volunteer recruitment and membership book, "Energise" (USA)

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Comments (2 of 2)

Why do voluntary work?

by Benny Carolan

Wed Jun 01, 2005 19:35

Greenore Road Carlingford

To get away from the wife and get a bit on the side. Or to get a few free pints.

Why do people undertake voluntary work

by Peter Savage - Warehousing

Sat May 28, 2005 23:55

I liked the long list but have to include a few more reasons as to why people take part in unpaid work as follows;

1) to get a few large vodka's for example
2) to mix with people so as to get a bit on the side
3) to show off and gain status
4) to annoy othere people in the community
5) to offer consultaion expertise gianed as a result of coming form a business background
6) to get free perks which are non taxable
7) to get made a fuss of by the wider community.
8) to get great expenses so as to keep a big car on the road.

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Comments (2 of 2)