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2015 Autumn | Education & Outreach

A Strategy for Nonprofits to Identify Volunteers Motivations and Barriers to Increase Volunteerism

Student(s):

Barbara Steusloff

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Joleen Palmer

Partner(s):

  • Stillwaters Environmental Center

Faculty advisor(s):

Kristi Straus, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

In order to tackle the environmental problems caused by climate change, it’s extremely important to understand the reasons why people are motivated towards or against volunteering and living a sustainable life. This information is essential for nonprofits to convey their message and recruit and retain more volunteers. I created a strategy for nonprofits based on: my observed interactions of Stillwaters staff and volunteers, interviews I conducted with volunteers, and a scholarly peer review of literature. The strategy I created increases volunteerism by combining the following tactics: identify barriers and motivations, utilize demographic information, promote benefits, and show appreciation of volunteers.