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Strengthening Rural and Urban Volunteering
Project Aims
The research sets out to explore patterns of volunteering and the challenges currently facing Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs), particularly those based in rural areas. There will be a strong geographical basis to the study, whereby patterns of volunteering in different areas will be identified and explored. Based on a survey and interviews with Volunteer Involving Organisations, the project will address the following key research questions:
What challenges do VIOs face in recruiting and retaining volunteers in different regions (urban/rural) and sectors (e.g. youth work, sport, etc.). Which areas and sectors are most likely to experience difficulties in recruiting and retaining volunteers?
- What are the implications of low levels of volunteer recruitment: (a) for the operation of VIOs; and (b) for the local communities which they serve?
- What are the routes/pathways into volunteering in different areas/sectors and how might these be strengthened?
- What strategies have VIOs found to be most effective in attracting and retaining volunteers?
- To what extent do VIOs avail of services provided through volunteer centres? What more can volunteer centres do to support VIOs?
- What more could be done at a local, regional and national level to promote volunteering and support VIOs?
Project Funders
Munster Volunteer Centres
Project Duration
October 2019 - April 2020
Project Team
Dr Margaret Scanlon and Professor Fred Powell