I have done a tremendous amount of volunteer training and I have learned that people volunteer for different reasons or a combination of reasons. Knowing what volunteers want can aid tremendously in volunteer recruitment, motivation and retention.

Interpersonal – These people are looking for ways to make and/or be with friends. They seek opportunities to build relationships and socialize. They may also want to volunteer with people they know so they can spend more time with them.

Humanitarian – These people are looking for ways to express their values. There are causes that touch their hearts and these volunteers want to act on them. This may include helping children, someone in need, someone less fortunate, or an organization that is dealing with a particular disease or disability.

Community – These people have an interest in a particular arena and want to help preserve and enrich that area. These volunteers seek to enhance their community by supporting the arts, the environment or community resources. This can also include musical groups, the theater and local museums.

Skill Building – These people want to learn how to do something new or different. They seek volunteer opportunities that will give them more knowledge or proficiency in a particular skill and/or will train them to do something useful.

Career Development – These people want to improve their résumé and/or make contacts that will help them professionally. They look for opportunities that will get them the expertise and/or leadership opportunities they may not have in their current job. They also appreciate the exposure to people who can help them network and grow.

Change of Pace – These people enjoy opportunities that are totally different from what they do on a daily basis. They may seek an “escape” from their own hardships or they may simply want to try something that they don’t typically get to experience.