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Volunterism - 5/5/2016 10:30:10 AM   
joether


Posts: 5195
Joined: 7/24/2005
Status: offline 		I belong to a volunteer group that helps the community to which I live in. Every year, my organization loses people due to old age and death; yet the rate of new membership is at a trickle. At the rate we are at, the whole organization will disappear in a few years. Some of our projects require simply manpower to operate. Other volunteer organizations have also seen this same worrisome situation in their groups.

My question comes in three parts:

1 ) Has this happen to other organizations in the nation and world wide?

2 ) What have you or others done to increase membership?

3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?
Profile   Post #: 1
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 10:38:49 AM   
kdsub


Posts: 12180
Joined: 8/16/2007
Status: offline 		joe maybe it has to do with how many people reach a certain age at the same time. Not always of course but it seems most people that have time to volunteer or in retirement. The baby boomers are a large group that have reached retirement age and are now in decline. Perhaps there is a gap in people reaching retirement... If this makes any sense to you.

Butch

_____________________________

Mark Twain:

I don't see any use in having a uniform and arbitrary way of spelling words. We might as well make all clothes alike and cook all dishes alike. Sameness is tiresome; variety is pleasing

(in reply to joether)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 10:48:44 AM   
OsideGirl


Posts: 14441
Joined: 7/1/2005
From: United States
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: joether

I belong to a volunteer group that helps the community to which I live in. Every year, my organization loses people due to old age and death; yet the rate of new membership is at a trickle. At the rate we are at, the whole organization will disappear in a few years. Some of our projects require simply manpower to operate. Other volunteer organizations have also seen this same worrisome situation in their groups.

My question comes in three parts:

1 ) Has this happen to other organizations in the nation and world wide?
I've seen it with Habitat for Humanity. The number of regulars that show up have really decreased. Luckily, it's a popular choice for corporations trying to prove that their charitable. But, it still does leave a gap, when you don't have a team leader that has been there every week.

That said the motorcycle community is still going huge. Our big event happening coming up shortly, for the first time in 14 years, already has 110% of the number of volunteers that we need to run the show.

quote:

2 ) What have you or others done to increase membership?
Students needing community service hours are a great resource. One of the best things that I've seen...I know of a software company in Northern California that gives each employee 1 paid day off each month to go volunteer somewhere.

quote:

3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?
I think part of it is what is called "Slacktivism" - remember the Kony 2012 campaign? All over Facebook, posters put up all over town, but yet doing nothing that directly impacted the situation. Same thing with breast cancer - "Cut and paste this message" but yet they don't volunteer.

I also think that part of it is the fast pace that life moves at right now. I'm stunned by the schedules of some of my friends that have kids. (And keep in mind that I'm essentially running two companies and I think their schedule is brutal)


_____________________________

Give a girl the right shoes and she will conquer the world. ~ Marilyn Monroe

The Accelerated Velocity of Terminological Inexactitude

(in reply to joether)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 11:42:44 AM   
Aylee


Posts: 24103
Joined: 10/14/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: joether

I belong to a volunteer group that helps the community to which I live in. Every year, my organization loses people due to old age and death; yet the rate of new membership is at a trickle. At the rate we are at, the whole organization will disappear in a few years. Some of our projects require simply manpower to operate. Other volunteer organizations have also seen this same worrisome situation in their groups.

My question comes in three parts:

1 ) Has this happen to other organizations in the nation and world wide?

2 ) What have you or others done to increase membership?

3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?



Do you have a community page on Facebook or another site? These can really help.

Have you tried to get the local school involved? Handouts can be sent home in backpacks and talked about in class.

Have you involved your local library? Ads can be put up on the bulletin board there as well as the local post office.

Have you involved local businesses? Even if it is to be allowed to put out a donation jar or hang a notice.

Have you made it clear what you are doing and why? Lot cleaning for a pick up baseball diamond.

Have you made it child/family friendly? If people cannot bring their kids of all ages, then they will choose not to come.

Have you appealed to a sense of history? Restore the river!

Have you made it fun? Everyone likes to listen to WII FM (What's In It For Me) and they respond well to rewards. Buy some beverages and hot dogs with your donation jar money and have people bring a side dish that represents their family heritage or a favorite family recipe for after you finish wallpapering Old Lady Grundy's front room and weeding her garden.

I am sure that I could give more suggestions if I knew what you were actually doing. But those might help.

_____________________________

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam

I don’t always wgah’nagl fhtagn. But when I do, I ph’nglui mglw’nafh R’lyeh.

(in reply to joether)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 12:03:01 PM   
subrob1967


Posts: 4591
Joined: 9/13/2004
Status: offline 		Our group reached out to all the businesses in Indianapolis and asked which give their employees incentives to volunteer. Going this route has tripled our numbers.

We also attend every convention held in Indianapolis to recruit volunteers, one of our goals is to recruit 1000 new members every year.

_____________________________

http://www.extra-life.org/

(in reply to Aylee)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 1:14:57 PM   
bounty44


Posts: 6374
Joined: 11/1/2014
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.


< Message edited by bounty44 -- 5/5/2016 1:15:26 PM >

(in reply to joether)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 2:58:51 PM   
Aylee


Posts: 24103
Joined: 10/14/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: bounty44

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.



Don't forget that volunteering costs money. Things like work gloves, garbage bags, hammers, other tools one may need, fuel or bus fare - all of these things are a cost to the person volunteering.

_____________________________

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam

I don’t always wgah’nagl fhtagn. But when I do, I ph’nglui mglw’nafh R’lyeh.

(in reply to bounty44)
Profile   Post #: 7
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 3:24:12 PM   
OsideGirl


Posts: 14441
Joined: 7/1/2005
From: United States
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee


quote:

ORIGINAL: bounty44

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.



Don't forget that volunteering costs money. Things like work gloves, garbage bags, hammers, other tools one may need, fuel or bus fare - all of these things are a cost to the person volunteering.

Habitat for Humanity supplies, all the tools, gloves, tool belts and even breakfast.

Our event supplies breakfast, lunch anything they need to do the job.

The beach clean ups supply everything except food.

They only need to get there.

So, it hasn't been my experience that people need to supply their own gear.



_____________________________

Give a girl the right shoes and she will conquer the world. ~ Marilyn Monroe

The Accelerated Velocity of Terminological Inexactitude

(in reply to Aylee)
Profile   Post #: 8
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 4:06:38 PM   
Kaliko


Posts: 3381
Joined: 9/25/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: OsideGirl


quote:

ORIGINAL: joether


3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?
I think part of it is what is called "Slacktivism" - remember the Kony 2012 campaign? All over Facebook, posters put up all over town, but yet doing nothing that directly impacted the situation. Same thing with breast cancer - "Cut and paste this message" but yet they don't volunteer.

I also think that part of it is the fast pace that life moves at right now. I'm stunned by the schedules of some of my friends that have kids. (And keep in mind that I'm essentially running two companies and I think their schedule is brutal)




I agree on both counts. I didn't realize it had a name, "Slacktivism," but that makes sense. I understand to a point that cutting and pasting, etc., might raise awareness, but it's also very easy to scroll down and dismiss those things, too. In fact, it feels like I see these types of things so often in social media that I actually no longer see them. I think it makes the person posting it feel good...and it ends there.

If I were a more cynical person, I might think people do it not only to make themselves feel like they're doing a good thing, but to make it so others will see what a good thing they're doing.

I also agree that the schedule that people keep will prevent them from volunteering. On the other hand, people always find time for what they make a priority. If volunteering isn't a priority, then time will never be found. If it is, the time will find itself.

Thinking of myself: I no longer read the newspaper and I don't have cable so I don't get local television news. I'm a bit oblivious to my local surroundings in a lot of ways. Unless I actively look for volunteer opportunities, I don't ever come across them. Now, that's fine, because I'm someone who looks for them. But if I'm someone different, who didn't have a long history of it, then I honestly might not even know these needs exist.


(in reply to OsideGirl)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 4:14:49 PM   
TheCabal


Posts: 291
Joined: 9/3/2005
From: Lots of different places
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: joether

3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


Some of it also comes down to regulations that have made it a pain in the ass to volunteer. If you're doing anything that involved children in Pennsylvania, the state just added a whole mess of background check requirements. As understandable as the law is, there's a bit of an ick factor to having to go get fingerprinted to coach a soccer team.

With other activities, there are liability and insurance issues that need to be addressed. Most people don't do it like the Amish where the whole community just shows up and builds a barn without thinking too much about what happens if a rope snaps.

< Message edited by TheCabal -- 5/5/2016 4:15:43 PM >

(in reply to joether)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 4:33:14 PM   
Aylee


Posts: 24103
Joined: 10/14/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: OsideGirl


quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee


quote:

ORIGINAL: bounty44

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.



Don't forget that volunteering costs money. Things like work gloves, garbage bags, hammers, other tools one may need, fuel or bus fare - all of these things are a cost to the person volunteering.

Habitat for Humanity supplies, all the tools, gloves, tool belts and even breakfast.

Our event supplies breakfast, lunch anything they need to do the job.

The beach clean ups supply everything except food.

They only need to get there.

So, it hasn't been my experience that people need to supply their own gear.





That is awesome. I have mostly been involved with smaller community things that did not do this.

_____________________________

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam

I don’t always wgah’nagl fhtagn. But when I do, I ph’nglui mglw’nafh R’lyeh.

(in reply to OsideGirl)
Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 6:14:44 PM   
vintagedoll


Posts: 27
Joined: 2/21/2015
From: Fritch
Status: offline 		In my local area it seems most of the problem with volunteers trickling out is what some as already pointed out, but I call it the "See Me" syndrome. Most want the praise and the acknowledgment of it. At first couple of events there will hundreds, but when it requires giving not only time and expenses without the "Look at what I did" the work normally is split between the same 10 or 12 regulars.

We have been blessed with local business donating gloves,trash bags, and such; but sometimes in the peak of summer each of us can have at least 10 elderly households for mowing and home repairs for Hutchcares.

Another problem that has arose is some in the community will not commit because the contributions don't all stay in support of need local like the United Way and other organizations.

(in reply to TheCabal)
Profile   Post #: 12
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 6:18:52 PM   
MasterG2kTR


Posts: 6677
Joined: 8/7/2004
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline 		I have seen several civic groups in my area disappear due to lack of members and or interest.

_____________________________

Did you know.....
Two wrongs don't make a right,
but three rights make a left
....think about it

(in reply to joether)
Profile   Post #: 13
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 7:07:46 PM   
Termyn8or


Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline 		FR

People do not have the time. Only single, self employed people really can do much. If you got kids you OWE them kids time. you also might have to work two jobs to feed them. Your olady might also have to work, then you got even less time to spend with her.

Even myself, I used to work 23 miles away, which doesn't sound like much but it was across town. Smashed my car and had to pay that off and it was because of the weather. I should have stayed home. After that I told them I get there when I get there and if they don't like it fukum. So I got in at like 11. but I still left at 5 and it took an hour to get home. So here it is, six o'clock, I want to eat and drink. And I had it easy and would not do it. How can you expect someone who works full time to volunteer ?

People who do not have jobs do not have jobs for a reason. Could be no skills or no ambition or a combination of both. Others have to have three incomes to pay a mortgage or you ight have to volunteer to serve them at a soup kitchen for the homeless.

These liberals just have some pretty cushy jobs where they can just volunteer their precious time for who knows what. And just what good for the community is this ? Painting fire hydrants ? What ?

T^T

(in reply to MasterG2kTR)
Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 7:12:01 PM   
mousekabob


Posts: 187
Status: offline 		I used to volunteer a lot when I wasn't working. I simply had the time, but now that I work full-time and my commute is over an hour long to and from work and I wake up at 5am every morning, who has the time or energy?

I think a lot of people are in the same boat. Those who do have the time and energy are retired, really young and full of energy or not working.

When I did volunteer, to get others involved, we would put out flyers, get involved in local festivals and gatherings, recruit on local campuses and give talks. But to be honest, almost none of that work. Eventually every place I volunteered at, closed up shop because there were just not enough people involved and it became too time consuming for the very few who were left holding the bag.


_____________________________

aka littlewonder
------------------------
Nothing has changed
Everything has changed

(in reply to MasterG2kTR)
Profile   Post #: 15
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 7:12:22 PM   
Greta75


Posts: 9968
Joined: 2/6/2011
Status: offline 		FR

Why do certain voluntary organizations do so much better than others? It's just marketing.

I personally never had a volunteering spirit.

I think we all pick our good deeds, and I prefer the Pay It Forward way. If someone did one good deed to me, I make sure I do that exact good deed to someone else and Pay It Forward.


< Message edited by Greta75 -- 5/5/2016 7:13:03 PM >

(in reply to Termyn8or)
Profile   Post #: 16
RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 7:16:06 PM   
KenDckey


Posts: 4121
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline 		I see a generational issue. Joe, our generation was raised on helping your neighbor, helping those that needed help that for whatever reason couldn't help themselves. I see it as a moral thing that our generation has more of than younger generations. I also see it in some of the younger generations, but not to the same extent. I think they are more of the "I'm entitled" as opposed to the "I can help" scenerio. I also agree that the economy has something to do with it. When I was growing up, I was raised to get to know our neighbors. If we had some beans and our neighbor had some bacon, we would get together for dinner. I also see it as a movement toward a gang mentality which started in the 50's. If we saw a crime, and I still believe this, it is our moral obligation to become involved.

I personally have volunteered with orphanages, habitat, ARC, donate to the United Fund, Churches of various demonations (Including non-christian), Project Challenge (as a mentor) and others. I have worked toward helping others become self sufficient. I don't see this as a governmental issue, more of a moral issue.

When I was with Toastmasters, I read the VP Membership manual many times. You might find it useful in your membership building.

(in reply to MasterG2kTR)
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RE: Volunterism - 5/5/2016 7:24:53 PM   
dcnovice


Posts: 37282
Joined: 8/2/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: bounty44

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.


I think this may well be a factor.

One thing I noticed chairing the rummage sale--a 20K fundraiser despite its Barbara Pym-sounding name--at church in the late '90s was that it was rooted in a culture where many women, especially in the middle class, didn't work outside the home. As my beloved old ladies grew frail and moved on, the cohort replacing them had far less free time, flexibility, and disposable energy. I suspect this may affect many other volunteer endeavors as well.



_____________________________

No matter how cynical you become,
it's never enough to keep up.

JANE WAGNER, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF
INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

(in reply to bounty44)
Profile   Post #: 18
RE: Volunterism - 5/6/2016 5:13:22 AM   
Kaliko


Posts: 3381
Joined: 9/25/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: TheCabal

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether

3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


Some of it also comes down to regulations that have made it a pain in the ass to volunteer. If you're doing anything that involved children in Pennsylvania, the state just added a whole mess of background check requirements. As understandable as the law is, there's a bit of an ick factor to having to go get fingerprinted to coach a soccer team.



This, unfortunately, is entirely true, in my experience. Red tape and the expense to even walk in the door as a volunteer are barriers that turn people off.

(in reply to TheCabal)
Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Volunterism - 5/6/2016 5:16:43 AM   
Kaliko


Posts: 3381
Joined: 9/25/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee


quote:

ORIGINAL: OsideGirl


quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee


quote:

ORIGINAL: bounty44

quote:

ORIGINAL: joether
3 ) Why are less adults interested in volunteering their time?


one wonders the relationship between tougher economic times and volunteering time. are some people who might normally be volunteering, having to work extra hours or take extra jobs that detract from their ability to volunteer.



Don't forget that volunteering costs money. Things like work gloves, garbage bags, hammers, other tools one may need, fuel or bus fare - all of these things are a cost to the person volunteering.

Habitat for Humanity supplies, all the tools, gloves, tool belts and even breakfast.

Our event supplies breakfast, lunch anything they need to do the job.

The beach clean ups supply everything except food.

They only need to get there.

So, it hasn't been my experience that people need to supply their own gear.





That is awesome. I have mostly been involved with smaller community things that did not do this.


That is awesome. I, too, have had to spend my own money in almost every volunteer situation.



(in reply to Aylee)
Profile   Post #: 20
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