Understanding the Challenges of Episodic Volunteering

Episodic volunteering, where individuals commit to short-term or one-off volunteer opportunities, is increasingly popular within the nonprofit sector. It provides organizations with much-needed flexibility, allowing them to tap into a diverse pool of volunteers for specific events or activities. However, this type of volunteering also presents a significant challenge: how can nonprofits retain episodic volunteers and encourage them to return? Research by Hyde, Dunn, Bax, and Chambers (2016) explores this very issue, offering an integrated theoretical approach to better understand the factors influencing episodic volunteer retention.

Volunteer Motivations and Phases of Engagement

According to the research, different motivations influence episodic volunteers depending on where they are in their engagement journey. For those new to episodic volunteering, motivations such as social enjoyment, a sense of belonging, and social norms are critical. Volunteers in this early stage are driven by the immediate rewards they experience—such as meeting new people and participating in meaningful activities—and these factors often determine whether they will return.

As volunteers gain more experience, their motivations evolve. For individuals who have been volunteering intermittently for a few years, satisfaction and commitment become the main drivers of retention. They are more likely to continue volunteering if they feel a growing connection to the organization’s mission and see their contributions as meaningful. Finally, for long-term episodic volunteers, organizational loyalty plays a key role. These individuals often support the organization financially and feel a strong sense of commitment to its success, driven by their desire to make a lasting impact.

Tailoring Retention Strategies for Different Volunteers

The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing that volunteer retention strategies must be adapted to meet the changing needs and motivations of volunteers at different stages of their engagement. For nonprofits, this means offering social and enjoyable experiences for first-time volunteers, deepening the sense of commitment and satisfaction for mid-level volunteers, and fostering loyalty among long-term episodic volunteers.

By addressing these distinct motivational needs, nonprofits can improve volunteer retention rates and cultivate a more reliable and committed volunteer base over time.

Preparing Leaders to Manage Volunteers Effectively

For nonprofit professionals looking to develop a deeper understanding of volunteer management, the Nonprofit Leadership Program (NPL) offers specialized training. The course NPLD 7810 - Understanding and Managing Volunteers for Impact, taught by Dr. Ram Cnaan and Lauren Graham, equips students with practical tools and theoretical knowledge, much like the research by Hyde and colleagues, to better engage, retain, and manage volunteers effectively. By preparing leaders to navigate the complexities of volunteer management, the NPL program ensures that organizations can maximize the impact of their volunteer base.

If you're interested in exploring these concepts further, look out for NPLD 7810 - Understanding and Managing Volunteers for Impact, offered in spring 2025. This course provides an in-depth look at the strategies and theories essential for effective volunteer management.

Reference

Hyde, M. K., Dunn, J., Bax, C., & Chambers, S. K. (2016). Episodic volunteering and retention: An integrated theoretical approach. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 45(1), 45-63