Improving the welcoming process of volunteer workers : engaging motivated volunteers for multicultural activities of the Finnish Red Cross Tampere local branch
Patrikainen, Laura (2019)
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019060515117
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019060515117
Tiivistelmä
Background. The Finnish Red Cross (FRC) Tampere local branch multicultural activities – as many other Finnish civic organizations – has experienced difficulties in recruiting new, especially young volunteers. Yet, new online registrations are made repeatedly where young individuals express their interest in volunteering for the FRC. However, they rarely become volunteers.
Purpose. The objective of this study was to find out whether the welcoming process of new volunteers used by the FRC Tampere branch multicultural work needs improvements to enhance the entry and commitment of young volunteers, and how to improve it. This study gathered information on young people’s experiences and opinions on the welcoming process and possible first steps as volunteers. Furthermore, this study aimed at manifesting what motivates young people to contact the FRC and to start volunteering.
Methodology. The research data was collected using an online survey sent to all 29 young people who contacted the FRC Tampere multicultural operations via an online form between October 2017 and December 2018. This online questionnaire was formed by closed and open questions to get both quantitative and qualitative data. It was sent as a link via e-mail in April 2019.
Results. All the respondents expressed their satisfaction regarding the beginning of the welcoming process, when, after them sending the online registration form, they received a generic e-mail from the FRC Tampere multicultural operation’s representative. They had gained useful information on volunteer options fast enough. Their motivation decreased afterwards, as their expectations were not met due to several reasons; for example, the lack of team spirit and few opportunities to discuss with fellow volunteers.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the welcoming process is in need of improvement, and this study proposes a new procedure of welcoming process, as well as a change plan to implement the new procedure. These findings and suggestions will ease the FRC Tampere local branch’s efforts in recruiting new young volunteers.
Purpose. The objective of this study was to find out whether the welcoming process of new volunteers used by the FRC Tampere branch multicultural work needs improvements to enhance the entry and commitment of young volunteers, and how to improve it. This study gathered information on young people’s experiences and opinions on the welcoming process and possible first steps as volunteers. Furthermore, this study aimed at manifesting what motivates young people to contact the FRC and to start volunteering.
Methodology. The research data was collected using an online survey sent to all 29 young people who contacted the FRC Tampere multicultural operations via an online form between October 2017 and December 2018. This online questionnaire was formed by closed and open questions to get both quantitative and qualitative data. It was sent as a link via e-mail in April 2019.
Results. All the respondents expressed their satisfaction regarding the beginning of the welcoming process, when, after them sending the online registration form, they received a generic e-mail from the FRC Tampere multicultural operation’s representative. They had gained useful information on volunteer options fast enough. Their motivation decreased afterwards, as their expectations were not met due to several reasons; for example, the lack of team spirit and few opportunities to discuss with fellow volunteers.
Conclusions. The results suggest that the welcoming process is in need of improvement, and this study proposes a new procedure of welcoming process, as well as a change plan to implement the new procedure. These findings and suggestions will ease the FRC Tampere local branch’s efforts in recruiting new young volunteers.