Bounce-Back of Episodic Volunteers: What makes episodic volunteers return? Working Paper No. CPNS 32

Abstract

This exploratory Australian study uses qualitative method to examine the views and experiences of episodic volunteers in a local government community environmental group. Its aim is to investigate whether traditional retention methods and practices are applicable when bouncing-back episodic volunteers.

Findings show episodic volunteers can be predominantly motivated by altruism, in this case contributing to environmental preservation, with egotistic motivations such as enjoying the social interaction of the group, secondary. Having their needs satisfied in these areas, particularly perceiving an impact that their efforts had in their local environment, was vital to their bouncing back. Results point to a range of differences from traditional volunteers, including less need for training, the opportunity to learn new skills and extrinsic rewards, as well as a need for organisational flexibility in allowing episodic volunteers to move in and out of the organisation easily.