Volunteering: committed youth

The younger generation is getting up and getting more and more involved in volunteering. She is ready to transform the world with unparalleled energy and passion. According to a study by the Ministry of National Education and Youth, in 2022, 45% of people aged 16 and over participated in volunteer actions, compared to 36% in 2016. 85% of middle school students plan to do so! This significant increase reveals the growing interest of new generations in volunteering. Motivated by a desire for solidarity, they want to contribute positively to society, develop skills and forge a social identity. Associations need their energy, their enthusiasm. How do they attract and retain them? ‍

How do young people want to volunteer?‍

Their motivations are varied. A survey by France Bénévolat, produced in 2018, reveals what attracts them to volunteering, what they prefer and what they avoid.‍

Action volunteering rather than project volunteering ‍

They massively reject institutions, especially political ones, while valuing family and solidarity, which represent values of proximity. If they have a better opinion of associations than of other institutions, it is often the case by default. To seduce them, they must therefore absolutely remain places of concrete action without the need for a lasting commitment. They want something concrete and reactive!
This preference is accentuated by the culture of immediacy generated by the digital revolution in which this generation was born.
The aim of the new generations is to make the world around them liveable and not to radically change it. They want to have a tangible and immediate impact and address global issues through local initiatives. ‍

A horizontal mode of operation‍

Horizontal modes of organization in governance and the functioning of structures motivate them. Autonomy and the presence of an informal environment inspire their investment. They thrive in an environment where everyone exercises influence and power based on their actions. This approach encourages initiative and commitment. ‍

Recognition and trust ‍

The new generations respond better to concrete requests and to projects where they feel needed and confident. General discourses on commitment have little impact on them! They need to feel listened to, useful, and recognized.

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The importance of collective projects ‍

People aged 18 to 30 have a great need for collective action. Associations must adapt their approach, by proposing missions that allow them to get involved together rather than individually. ‍

How can an association attract young volunteers? ‍

The associations have fully understood the importance of integrating the new generations into their actions. They are developing specific strategies to appeal to this dynamic and motivated age group. What are they? :‍

Adapted and rewarding missions 

Many structures highlight short and varied missions, adapted to the availability and skills of each volunteer.
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At LIFE, young volunteers can join us on short or longer operations in a wide variety of but complementary fields of action : environment, food safety, upbringing, water and sanitation. They can also participate in emergency interventions. In Morocco, for example, their investment has always been important in our actions, but was especially important during our recent post-earthquake emergency response in September 2023. The age range for the majority of them was 20 and 28.
During our last Campaign 1 €/1 meal in France, many young volunteers also came to provide valuable help in distributing our packages and hot meals. Around 30 people, mainly aged 18 to 26, participated in this campaign. Almost daily, we receive applications from young people who want to come and help us and bring comfort to those who need it. In France, like other countries, the momentum of solidarity during our various operations is real.

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Training and support programs‍

To retain volunteers, associations can set up free training and support programs.
The French Red Cross for example, offers, in addition to its rescue and humanitarian aid missions, training in first aid, project management, communication and other useful skills.
In order to support its volunteers in their mission to help isolated elderly people, Little Brothers of the Poor provide training on coaching, psychological support and the management of social projects. Since 2007, several hundreds of sessions per year are followed by several thousand people. ‍

The use of digital tools 

Associations also use digital tools to recruit and coordinate volunteers, and also for their training programs. The government platform Jeveuxaider.gouv.fr lists occasional and short-term volunteer missions offered by various organizations. Our NGO LIFE is present there (LIFE Association - become a volunteer in the LIFE association - Jeveuxaider.gouv.fr.
All volunteers Do the same or the Benenova platform.
These tools facilitate the connection between organizations and volunteers, making engagement more accessible and attractive.‍

Supporting volunteers is essential!‍

To maintain the commitment of volunteers, associations set up various mechanisms to support them:‍

Recognition of commitment 

To promote the commitment of new generations, some associations issue volunteer certificates and skills certificates.
The device” Volunteer Passport ”, organized by France Bénévolat, makes it possible to record volunteer experiences and acquired skills. This official recognition is often useful when looking for a job or registering for educational programs. 

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Financial support 

Financial aid is also available to encourage volunteering among new generations. In France, The Fund for the Development of Associative Life (FDVA) offers grants for projects led by young people.

Did you know that? : In 2023, the FDVA financed the actions and projects of 16,138 local associations, including 86% of very small structures and 1,640 regional or national organizations for the training of volunteers. In 2024, it should reach nearly 70 million euros, of which 10 million will be devoted to the training of volunteers. These grants give young members the opportunity to carry out concrete and impacting actions within their communities.‍

Psychological support 

Volunteering can sometimes be emotionally draining. To support young people in these difficult times, the association can, like SOS Amitié, offer listening and psychological support services. This support is crucial for their well-being and their perseverance in their missions.

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What are the challenges and opportunities of volunteering among young people? 

Despite advances, volunteering among new generations still faces obstacles. What are the main barriers? The lack of time related to studies or looking for a job is often cited. In addition, some young people express distrust of associative structures, which are perceived as rigid or not very innovative. In fact, some of them, which have long been established, sometimes have difficulty integrating them effectively.

To overcome these challenges, associations must continue to innovate. The flexibility of missions, the use of social networks to better communicate and recruit, as well as the development of partnerships with schools and universities are promising approaches.
The partnership between our NGO LIFE and Sciences Po Saint-Germain offers first-year students the opportunity to work on concrete projects, strengthening LIFE's mission in the field.

Emmaus Connect partners with YNOV Campus to train students in the reconditioning of digital equipment and in digital mediation missions. They learn how to help people in digital poverty to use computer tools and the Internet, and thus contribute to digital inclusion.

Youth volunteering is a growing phenomenon, supported by a variety of initiatives and the strong commitment of associations. The figures show growing mobilization, but also specific needs in terms of support and recognition. To maintain this momentum, it is essential to continue to adapt actions and missions to the expectations and constraints of new generations, while valuing their invaluable contribution to society.
Associations, institutions and young people themselves all have a role to play in making volunteering an enriching and sustainable experience. Getting involved in volunteer activities and social life is beneficial not only for themselves, but also for the whole community.
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Join a dynamic, transparent and trustworthy association! Let's act together for the planet! 

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