Volunteer engagement, indirect compensation and youth experience

Abstract

This study applies the Order Tobit Regression approach to estimate volunteer engagement and retention. Using a sample of 14, 059 participants, this inquiry draws on the 2010 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP) and ascertains that compensation (both direct and indirect) can have a significant impact on volunteerism. The findings indicate that direct (honorariums and payments) and indirect compensations (opportunity to network and develop skills) empower volunteers in engagement and retention. Youth experience aids in volunteer engagement, but not in retention. Youth experience and religiosity foster volunteering in later life. The analysis concludes that effective training, family support, and recognition play strategic roles in promoting volunteerism.