Engaging Low-income Volunteers

Utilizing the Internet for research can be both fruitful and fraught with distraction all at the same time.  It’s so easy to leap from thought to thought as you are deep in a thought, and somehow you start at a research council and end up watching a cat play the piano on YouTube.

 I think I was researching poverty issues when I happened upon a study from British Columbia that focus on low-income volunteers.  Intrigued I saved the study and spent a Saturday morning, with a hot cuppa tea and a highlighter.

 What Motivates Low-Income Volunteers? A Report on Low-Income Volunteers in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia Prepared by: Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC) proved to be very enlightening and a wonderful look at the contribution of low-income individuals to the community.

 The National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP) asked respondents about their motives for volunteering. According to NSGVP finding, the motivation cited most frequently is a belief in the cause supported by the agency with which one volunteers (reported by 95% of respondents). Eighty-one percent of volunteers said that they volunteered to make use of their skills and expertise, 69% because they were personally affected by the cause of the organization at which they volunteer, and 57% to explore their strengths and abilities. Only 30% of volunteers said that they volunteered because their friends did and only 23% volunteered to improve job opportunities (Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, 2000a).

 Low-income individuals are often seen as a drain on society, as taking rather than contributing.  This study blows apart the myth.  Most of the low-income volunteers are volunteering at organizations that they’ve come into contact with as clients of the organizations; organizations such as food banks, second hand clothing stores and similar social service type agencies.

 While the challenges of poverty do impact a persons ability to volunteer, transportation, child care and like issues, we as a community need to value all volunteers regardless of their financial situation.

 The study also offers significant suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income volunteers.

 Look to low-income clients, service users, and program participants as a source of volunteers.  Ask clients, service users, and program participants if they are interested in volunteering. Being asked to volunteer is affirmation that one has valuable skills and experience to contribute.  If you recruit clients, service users, or program participants as volunteers, make sure that they understand that access to the organization’s services is not contingent on volunteering.  This is particularly important for low-income volunteers who may rely on the organization or basic supports.

 Ask all prospective volunteers why they want to volunteer, what they are looking for, and, perhaps most importantly, what they can bring to the organization. Low-income volunteers attach a great deal of importance to feeling that they can make a contribution and to the resulting feelings of satisfaction and self-worth. 

 Do not ask about financial status during volunteer screening. This is a personal and sensitive subject and can lead to discomfort on the part of prospective volunteers. Do, however, provide opportunities for feedback from and dialogue with volunteers. This will help you learn more about their personal circumstances.  As much as possible, make time to talk to prospective volunteers about what they hope to gain from volunteering. Structuring volunteer positions so that volunteers to realize some of their goals is one way to express appreciation and recognize contributions.   

 Be as flexible as possible with schedules. Be particularly aware of the challenges associated with illness or disability. Recognize that access to public transit and the regulatory requirements of some income support programs may affect the schedules of low-income volunteers.

  Try to become familiar with the personal circumstances and needs of low-income volunteers and the ways in which these affect their ability to volunteer.  Acknowledge and reward the efforts of your volunteers. This does not require large gestures. Low-income volunteers tend to prefer small, useful forms of recognition to large formal events. If you do not know what they would most appreciate, ask. Remember that volunteer recognition and support does not have to consist of structured rewards or tangible goods. The features of a volunteer position (e.g., learning opportunities, social interaction, and employment connections) are often viewed as ‘perks’.  

 Remember that some forms of volunteer recognition may be problematic for some low-income volunteers. For example, monetary rewards such as honoraria given to volunteers who are receiving welfare benefits must be reported and will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from their welfare cheques.

 Consider how your organization can help low income volunteers with transportation, this is especially important in a rural community. This is a key area of pressure and can often have a significant impact on volunteering. Consider how your organization can help low income volunteers with basic needs (e.g., food, clothing, household supplies). Low-income volunteers appreciate whatever help they can get with these items. Ensure that volunteers clearly understand the nature and boundaries of the volunteer relationship, and the fact that volunteering does not affect access to general organizational resources and services.