Volunteerism is the act of doing unpaid work for a cause that benefits the community or the world. Volunteerism is a spirit of selflessness and community service that mobilises collective action for social change
Volunteerism can be defined as people reaching out with their individual skills, talents, and interest to help organisations or communities meet their needs solve problems and assist others.
The dictionary defines Volunteerism as the practice of doing work for good causes without being paid for it.
Volunteerism is at the heart of Rotary. As Rotarians we are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
The success of our initiatives depends on the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to these causes.
Understanding what motivates these volunteers is key to keeping them engaged and inspired.
Why do we volunteer ?
To make difference To give back
To be part of a group with shared values To use skills and talents in a different setting
To have fun To be part of a prestigious group
Social connection
WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER? We realize that neither you nor I can motivate another person . Motivation must come from within.
OUR MOTIVATION IS PREMISED ON THE FOLLOWING REASONS Achievement Power Affiliation Recognition Altruism
REASON FOR MOTIVATION ?
ACHIEVEMENT-MOTIVATED Achievement : The achievement motivated volunteer looks for situations requiring top performance in which they excel. this person wants to out-perform others attaining unique accomplishments and enjoys striving for lofty goals. they want to do the job better, figure out ways to remove obstacle
POWER-MOTIVATED The Power-motivated volunteer wants to have an impact on the project and influence others with their ideas. They want to win arguments and get others to do things their way. They seek to influence through communication
AFFILIATION-MOTIVATED AFFILIATION The affiliation-motivated volunteer likes being around other people. The social aspect of volunteering appeals to them. They want to build friendships and be respected. They like being with others, want to help people and care about other’s feelings
RECOGNITION-MOTIVATED The recognition-motivated volunteer likes prestige and status. They prefer clear endings, short-term tasks. They enjoy public relations, and they want to be connected with popular projects. They want to advance new tasks and desire timely completion of work.
ALTRUISM-MOTIVATED The altruism-motivated volunteer pursues attainment for the general good. They have high ideals and values. They are concerned about interests that benefit the public. They care about accountability.
LEADERSHIP ROLE
To motivate and retain volunteers leadership is critical. Leadership in volunteerism is not about command and control, it’s about inspiring and supporting those who give their time freely.
One leadership style that works particularly well in Rotary is servant leadership. This approach prioritizes the needs of others, fostering an environment where volunteers feel valued, supported, and respected. When leaders demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the team, volunteers are more likely to feel motivated to give their best effort.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Another effective leadership style is transformational leadership. Transformational leaders provide a clear vision of what’s possible and inspire volunteers to go beyond their personal interests for the greater good. By showing how their contributions fit into a larger mission, these leaders help volunteers connect emotionally to the cause.
PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP In addition, participative leadership is crucial. When volunteers are involved in decision-making and feel like they have a say in how projects unfold, they are more likely to stay engaged. Encouraging collaboration not only builds trust but also ensures that volunteers take ownership of the projects they’re working on.
APPRECIATIVE LEADERSHIP Appreciative leadership is equally important. Recognizing volunteers for their hard work and contributions reinforces a culture of gratitude. Whether it’s through public acknowledgment or a simple thank-you, showing appreciation helps keep morale high and inspires others to stay involved.
TO GET MORE OUT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, WE MUST CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT. First , we need to set clear expectations and goals . Volunteers should know exactly what they’re working toward and how their efforts contribute to the larger mission. This sense of purpose keeps them focused and driven. Providing opportunities for growth is also essential .
Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged when they have the chance to learn new skills or take on leadership roles. Offering training and development opportunities ensures that they feel valued and allows them to grow both personally and professionally.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Effective communication plays a huge role in maintaining volunteer engagement. Regular updates on progress, success stories, and the impact of their work help volunteers feel connected to the cause. Keeping them informed strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.
Volunteers want to know their time and efforts are appreciated. Whether it’s a thank-you note or a public acknowledgment at a meeting, recognition shows volunteers that their contributions matter. This helps them feel more motivated to continue their work.
In conclusion, motivating Rotarian volunteers is about creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired to give their best. By understanding the motivations behind volunteerism and adopting the right leadership styles, we can keep our volunteers engaged and committed to making a lasting impact. As Rotarians, we are leaders in service, and it’s our responsibility to inspire and empower others to join us in creating a better world.