The rise of the selfish volunteer?

Finance | 10 Apr 2008

A new report that recommends harnessing selfish altruism has been released, with the notion that volunteers no longer offer time or money for nothing. Instead, they expect something in return, whether that be an opportunity to expand on existing skills, learn new skills, make friends, have an alternative to other leisure activities or be challenged. The report by npfSnergy on volunteering in the 21st century, commissioned by the Scout Association, states: ‘In a world full of competition, choice and consumer driven marketing, today’s volunteer is used to getting their wants and needs met. It should therefore not be surprising that when they sign up with a charity, they will want and expect to be getting some of whatever it was that inspired them to volunteer.’ The report suggests that charities should cease offering the duller jobs to volunteers, as trends show that the modern volunteer wants to be challenged just as they would be in a paid job. It also recommends that charities should be looking to treat their volunteers just as they treat their paid staff, giving them the same rights, holiday entitlements and training. ‘Our prediction is that more and more volunteers will resemble staff in everything except how they get paid. Witness the way that volunteers are now suing charities if something about their volunteering was not quite what they thought it should be.’ To view the report in its entirety, visit www.nfpsynergy.net.

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