Organisations

Why people volunteer - a few possible motivations

To feel needed

To make a difference

To get to know a new neighbourhood

To help someone

Because a friend pressured them

To gain or improve skills

Because they have time on their hands

To do their civic duty

To be with people who are different

To keep busy

Because the agency is close by

To do something with a family member

To learn the truth

To do one's share

For recognition

To get a better balance in life

To make new friends

To explore a new career

Because they are bored

To demonstrate commitment to a cause

As therapy

To do something different from their job

To have something to get up for

For fun

For religious reasons

To repay a debt

To learn about Irish Culture

For work experience

To give something back

As an excuse to do something they love

To donate their professional skills

Because there is no one else to do it

To feel good

To have an impact

Because they can't do paid work

To be part of a team

To be an advocate

To gain status

To get out of the house

To test themselves

To escape

To become an "insider"

To be an agent of change

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

This fact sheet is used by kind permission of Volunteering Ireland Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups Coleraine House Coleraine Street Dublin 7