The COVID-19 pandemic, with its profound and far-reaching impacts, has ushered in seismic shifts across societal norms and economic structures. Amidst these transformations, one sector that exhibits a unique paradox is volunteerism. The pandemic’s impact on volunteerism has been two-fold: while there’s been a marked decline in formal volunteering, we’ve concurrently seen a significant surge in informal helping activities. This article delves into this intriguing dynamic, examining how the pandemic has redefined the landscape of volunteerism, and presents strategies for fostering a sustainable future in volunteer service amidst this new normal.
The Volunteerism Paradox: Formal Decline vs. Informal Surge
In the space of formal volunteering – organized, structured voluntary service conducted through established entities like nonprofits or religious groups – we’ve witnessed a stark decline since the onset of the pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps reveal that only about 23% of people aged 16 or older volunteered through an organization in 2020-2021, a stark contrast to the robust 30.3% reported in 20192 This dwindling statistic might initially appear disheartening, but it’s only part of the story.
The same research uncovers a silver lining: while the numbers of formal volunteers have diminished, those who continue to serve have contributed more of their time. This increased commitment demonstrates a collective recognition of the heightened needs of communities during the crisis.
Simultaneously, the pandemic triggered a boom in informal helping. This term refers to the unpaid assistance provided to non-relatives like neighbors, friends, or even strangers. The same study discloses that around 51% of the U.S. population aged 16 and above, which equates to 124.7 million people, engaged in informal help between 2020 and 20212. This figure shows a significant leap from the 44% reported in 20192.
From this data emerges an uplifting narrative: in the face of adversity, the resilience and generosity of the human spirit have shone brightly. Grassroots initiatives, ranging from delivering food to providing financial aid, became lifelines for marginalized communities, which bore the brunt of the pandemic’s impact.
Shifting Demographics: Younger, Digitally-Savvy Volunteers Step Up
Alongside these trends, we’ve observed a considerable demographic shift within the volunteer community. On one end of the spectrum, there’s been a decline in the number of older volunteers actively involved with their organizations. This change is presumably due to the higher risk of COVID-19 complications associated with this age group.
However, this decline has been partially offset by an influx of younger volunteers. These youngsters, often comfortable with digital technologies and adaptable to change, have filled the gap in a transformed volunteering landscape. Much of the volunteering work transitioned online, with opportunities such as virtual mentoring, online tutoring, and digital advocacy becoming the norm. This younger demographic, often referred to as ‘digital natives’, was well-equipped to take on these new, tech-oriented roles.
Alongside these demographic shifts, there’s also been an evolution in the skillsets brought to the table by volunteers. A surge has been seen in volunteers with specialist skills such as IT, marketing, or fundraising. This development reflects the changing needs of non-profit organizations as they navigate the digital era and adjust to the accelerated digital transformation prompted by the pandemic. These specialist skills are increasingly critical as nonprofits shift their operations, fundraising, and outreach efforts to online platforms.
Strains on Nonprofit Organizations: Loss of Labor and Financial Impact
The reduction in volunteerism presents tangible challenges for nonprofits, which often rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their mission. The substantial drop in formal volunteering since the pandemic’s onset has strained many organizations, affecting their operations and services and, by extension, the communities they serve.
Many nonprofits operate with tight budgets, with volunteers constituting a crucial part of their workforce. Volunteers support numerous facets of a nonprofit’s operations, from administrative tasks to front-line service delivery. With the downturn in volunteerism, many organizations face a labor deficit. This lack of personnel places a greater workload on existing staff, potentially leading to increased stress, burnout, and reduced productivity. In extreme cases, nonprofits have had to cut back their services or, worse, temporarily shut down operations due to the lack of volunteers.
Additionally, the decline in volunteerism has significant financial ramifications for nonprofits. The economic value of volunteers’ time and effort is considerable. For instance, the Independent Sector estimated the value of volunteer time at $28.54 per hour in 2020 in the U.S4. When volunteer contributions shrink, nonprofits must contend with a financial shortfall. They either have to allocate funds to hire paid staff – a move that can further strain their budgets – or reduce the scope of their operations.
Volunteers also play a critical role in fundraising efforts, be it through organizing events, running campaigns, or leveraging their networks for donations. A decline in volunteerism can impede these efforts, leading to reduced funds and resource constraints for the nonprofits.
Furthermore, the reduction in volunteerism can also affect the reach and impact of nonprofit services. For example, organizations providing food, shelter, or essential support services to vulnerable populations may not be able to cater to as many people as before due to the volunteer shortage. This not only impacts the effectiveness of the nonprofits but also leaves a gap in essential services for those in need.
Beyond their tangible services, volunteers often bring passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to the organizations they serve. They foster relationships with the communities served, building a trustful and empathetic connection that is often crucial for the work nonprofits do. A decline in volunteerism could impact this relational aspect, affecting community engagement and trust.
Overcoming Pandemic Fatigue: Engagement Strategies
In the face of pandemic fatigue and the resulting struggle to keep volunteers engaged, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to implement effective engagement strategies. Forbes suggests several tactics, such as clear communication about the organization’s mission and goals, providing feedback and recognition, offering flexibility and choice, creating opportunities for social interaction, and providing resources for skill development4. I’ll add that it’s also paramount that organizations set up volunteers with project-specific, outcomes-focused engagements to provide fulfilling experiences.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
While the pandemic’s impact on volunteerism presents a complex and challenging scenario, it also offers opportunities for innovation and resilience. Understanding these changes and adapting to support volunteer engagement will be crucial as we navigate the uncharted terrain of the post-pandemic world.
This unprecedented crisis has undeniably affected volunteering rates, demographics, and opportunities. However, it has also showcased the resilience, generosity, and adaptability of volunteers and organizations. As we move forward, it’s essential to learn from these changes and to continue striving to create an environment that supports volunteer engagement. In doing so, we can ensure that we continue to serve communities in meaningful, impactful ways.
