22 February 2007
Volunteering is increasingly centred on the benefits to the self according to a survey released today by Volunteering England (VE), the national development agency for volunteering.
Over 60% of the 1,000 respondents believe that “volunteering has become more about what you get, rather than what you give.” The online poll was carried out to celebrate the launch of the VE-sponsored Volunteering Village at the One Life Live exhibition, running from 2-4 March at London’s Olympia, which is set to inspire people to make a change in their lives to increase their wellbeing, confidence and self-fulfilment.
Christopher Spence CBE, chief executive of Volunteering England, said:
“It is interesting to see how the perception of volunteering changes – here at VE, we passionately believe that volunteering is about both giving and getting. In my experience, the most successful and satisfying opportunities come about when volunteers are aware of the benefits to themselves, as well as to the cause. This enables individuals to see their contribution in a broader context, and the charity gains focused and motivated volunteers – it’s a win-win situation.
“Volunteering has the power to change lives, and it is amazing to see how people develop when they find an opportunity that matches their skills and values. If people do start volunteering with “what’s in it for me” in mind, they almost always come to appreciate how their contribution has a significant and positive impact on those they are helping.”
Case study
Emily Lomax, 26, met her partner through volunteering.
“I went to South Africa in 2003 to manage a group of 60 volunteers working in a primary school through a UK-based charity which sends students on volunteer placements in sub Saharan Africa. I was bowled over by the impact that this experience had on my life and on the lives of the volunteers I managed. I watched the group flourish during their placement - become more aware of global issues, grow in confidence and ability to work in a team to solve complicated problems.
While I was there I also met my current partner Fraser, who was doing fieldwork there for his PhD. He’d been going there since 1994 and played in a reggae band, so everyone knew who he was.
“After I graduated I applied to the VSO Programme Youth for Development which sends people aged 18 - 25 on year long placements to work with VSO partners all over the world. I was lucky enough to return to South Africa and spent a year worked with a Gender Violence organisation - getting involved in all kinds of projects from running workshops to producing a reggae album in the local language to encourage people to speak out against rape.
“My professional skills and knowledge have benefited hugely from my volunteering experiences. I have met some amazing people and friends for life and have had some great fun along the way – not to mention my lovely boyfriend! I would not be the person I am today had it not been for volunteering. “
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Notes to Editors
- For more information on Volunteering England, call Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932 or email cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org. For out of hours press enquiries, contact Sonya Roberts on 07952 128057.
- In the 2005 Citizenship Survey, 18% of respondents said they would be more likely to participate if it benefited their career or job prospects.
- For details about One Life Live and to book tickets, visit www.onelifelive.co.uk or call 0870 272 0001. Tickets cost £12 in advance, £15 on the door (£13 seniors). Children under 16 go free.
- 1,008 people responded to the question “has volunteering become more about what you get than what you give?” 62% said yes, 38% said no.
