Intention does not always equal action
I have seen at least three research reports this year suggesting we are on the cusp of a boom in volunteering.
This contrasts with data from the government, which shows a decline in volunteering.
Why the contradiction?
These recent studies confuse intention with action.
Consider. You are walking down the street and a researcher stops you for a few minutes. They ask you a series of questions. One is whether you intend to volunteer for good causes in the coming year.
Do you say no and risk appearing as a selfish and uncaring person?
Or, do you say yes, showing that you are a generous and caring individual?
I think many people would choose the second option, even if they have no intention to volunteer.
Consequently, the data that these studies produce can inflate the potential for volunteering.
Again, this makes for good headlines, but it isn’t what we should be basing volunteering policy and practice on.
Incorrectly assuming millions of people are eager to volunteer means our organisations may not make the changes we need to make in volunteer engagement.
Say it over and over again.
Maybe put it on a T-Shirt.
Intention does not always equal action.
Connector and facilitator | Fostering community connections, organizational health and personal growth
1 年Yes, intentions do not always translate into action. Many people do intend to do something good and are not trying to deceive - it is just easier said than done. And therefore no good for stats!
Engaging and inspiring people to bring about change
1 年Credit to ian cardwell for the line about the t-shirt.
Experienced worker in the Voluntary and Public Sectors
1 年Very well put Rob-absolutely agree.
Head of Specialist Services | Volunteer Management Trustee | Qualified Teacher
1 年Rashpal Saini CMI Chartered you'd like this