Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Volunteer Motivators

Thanks to Community Literacy of Ontario's survey, we now know some of the main reasons people are motivated to volunteer for literacy. When asked, "What encouraged you to volunteer for literacy?" here is what literacy volunteers had to say:

• 91% - An opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person
• 72% - An opportunity to increase literacy skills in my community
• 64% - A warm and encouraging atmosphere
• 57% - An opportunity to meet new people/ social interaction
• 54% - Flexible hours
• 51% - An opportunity to learn new skills
• 44% - Training
• 23% - The opportunity to build my job skills and bolster my resume

The above motivators reflect overall Canadian trends in the 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating. In this national survey the top reasons for volunteering were:

• To help a cause they believed in
• To put their skills and experience to use
• To support a cause that has directly or indirectly affected them
• To explore and develop their strengths
• To fulfill religious beliefs
• To support an organization that a friend or family member also supports
• To improve employment opportunities. (Source: www.nsgvp.org)

Do you know what motivates volunteers in your organization? Knowing some of the main reasons people volunteer for literacy should help you plan how to recruit them. In order to increase your chances of success, your recruitment strategies and materials should directly appeal to the things that would typically motivate your literacy volunteers!

top of page

Questions for Reflection

1. How do you determine how many volunteers you can realistically support in your agency?
2. How do you plan for volunteer involvement in your agency?
3. What motivates the volunteers in your agency?

top of page

PREVIOUS PAGE

Designed and hosted by in collaboration with CLO