Monday 20 February 2012

Engaging adults in youth volunteering

a DFE Research Report (DFE-RR189) by Mehul Kotecha, Gareth Morrell and Lucy Lee (Natcen Social Research)

Synopsis

In the last decade, volunteering has increasingly been seen as a central act of citizenship and a central pillar of strategies related to civic renewal. This development reflects an acknowledgement of the perceived benefits for volunteers and society more generally of engaging in pro-social activities.

The rising political profile of volunteering has seen a range of policy initiatives aiming to create opportunities for, in particular, young people to become involved in volunteering and other activities with a positive social or community focus. Evaluations of the Millennium Volunteers’ programme and, more recently, v – the National Young Volunteers’ Service – have demonstrated positive links between involvement and improved confidence and civic mindedness for the young people involved.

This report focuses on three key stages along the route to becoming a volunteer at which points various factors could influence whether or not people volunteer. These were the motivators and de-motivators affecting the initial decision to consider volunteering with young people; the barriers and facilitators to entering volunteering once the motivation is there; and the factors affecting whether individuals continue to be volunteers.

Includes:
  • Summary
  • Introduction
  • Considering volunteering
  • Becoming a volunteer
  • Conclusion – changing behaviour
  • References
Full report (PDF 38pp)


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