Volunteers are driven by non-material things such as leisure, the desire to be useful, and self-realization.

MOSCOW, September 1, 2017. The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a study devoted to the volunteers’ motivation.

Half of Russians (48%) say that leisure activities play an important role when choosing to volunteer. About a third of respondents need to feel useful (37%), to implement personal initiatives (32%), to gain new knowledge or skills (31%).

Three-quarters (77%) say they have received acknowledgment certificates and souvenirs as a reward. At the same time, certificates and presents are not essential for volunteers: 91% say that they would continue volunteering if they did not receive anything in return. However, additional supportive measures would increase involvement: two-thirds (66%) say they would be more involved in volunteering.

When it comes to rewards, many respondents appear to be motivated by leisure-related activities (opportunity to meet a celebrity, cultural or sport event invitation, and tour or trip organization). Recommendations are also important (recommendations for future course, to enter university or for job search). Thirty-five percent say that they like the opportunity to meet celebrities; 32% appreciate the opportunity to take courses; 30% like getting invitations for cultural events (30%). Financial benefits are less important (reduced transport tickets, air/train tickets, cheaper mobile phone/Internet services, preferential tariffs for communal services).

The Medialogia Company carried out an analysis of more than 600,000 mentions devoted to volunteering in the Russian media over a year. The media reported that volunteers participated in children’s search operation on Lake Ladoga, distributed the St George’s ribbons, helped to ensure order when people were lining up to see the relics of St Nicholas, helped in the organization of the FIFA Confederations Cup and other actions. President Vladimir Putin also touched upon volunteering.

The survey was conducted by VCIOIM from July 21 to August 15, 2017, and commissioned by the Association of Volunteer Centers and the Russian Civic Chamber. Data collection was carried out via Internet; the sample is based on the contact list of the Association of Volunteer Centers comprising volunteers on a regular and temporary basis; a total number of 25,000 contacts and 5,687 individuals participated in the survey. The sample can be biased towards all the persons involved in volunteering activities in Russia on a regular or temporary basis.

The Russian media publications were monitored and analyzed by the Medialogia Company using the company’s media database involving approximately 42,000 media sources such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, news agencies and online media. The study took place from August 2016 to August 2017.

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