Volunteer Hours Research Articles

Analysis of financial barriers experienced by prospective genetic counseling students

PurposeHigh costs of applying to genetic counseling graduate programs (GCGPs) are likely a barrier to workforce diversification. We sought to determine application costs and assess differences between individuals of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds in medicine (hURM) and non-hURM applicants. MethodsApplicants to GCGPs between 2005 to 2020 were surveyed about application history, related expenses, volunteer hours, and financial resources; 383 responses were analyzed. ResultsMedian total application costs (MTAC) were $2634, $4762, and $5607 (1, 2, and 3 or more application cycles, respectively). Interview-related items (which includes travel) had the highest median cost (1 application cycle: $879). Among those who applied to multiple cycles, hURM respondents had higher MTAC than those of non-hURM ($6713 versus $4762, P = .03) and lower median total volunteer hours (246 versus 381, P = .03). Parental education level differed by hURM status (P = .04). Median financial contribution from parents with and without advanced degrees varied significantly (60% versus 2%, P = .0009). ConclusionSignificant costs are incurred during the GCGP application process, but notable differences in costs and resources were observed between hURM and non-hURM applicants. Stakeholders within the profession should implement strategies to reduce financial barriers and the resulting inequities in the application process.

Promoting Late-Life Volunteering With Timebanking: A Quasi-Experimental Mixed-Methods Study in Hong Kong.

This study explores the impact of timebanking, where individuals earn time credits, nonmonetary currency, on promoting volunteerism among older adults. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with 116 timebank group (TBG) participants and 114 comparison group (CG) participants from 2021 to 2022. TBG received time credits to exchange for rewards, while CG received no time credits (i.e., volunteering as usual). The intervention of timebanking lasted for 1 year. Volunteering behaviors were tracked via an app, and intentions to volunteer were assessed at baseline (T0), after 6 months (the midpoint of the intervention, T1), and after 12 months (the endpoint of the intervention, T2). The use of rewards by TBG participants was also recorded (e.g., for personal use or sharing with others). Furthermore, focus group interviews were conducted to understand how rewards influenced participants' volunteerism. TBG had significantly higher weekly volunteer hours at T2 (β = 1.37, p = .021) and increased intent to volunteer at T1 (β = 0.54, p = .001) and T2 (β = 0.51, p = .001) compared with CG. Participants using rewards personally volunteered more at T2 (β = 2.09, p = .014), although sharing rewards with family and friends or donating rewards to others did not yield the same effect. The qualitative study suggested that a sense of feeling recognized generated by timebanking may encourage increased volunteering and that personal reward use enriched the volunteer experience, and individuals sharing rewards with family and friends experienced a sense of fulfillment and reinforcement of their prosociality. Timebanking effectively encourages late-life volunteering. The study provides practical implications for promoting volunteering among older people.

Emotions Matter: Understanding the Relationship Between Drivers of Volunteering and Participation

Volunteerism plays a vital role in the extensive social service system. Previous research has shown that drivers of volunteering (DOVs) are associated with desirable outcomes such as improved volunteer performance and higher levels of volunteer engagement. However, limited attention has been paid to the differential effects of different DOVs on volunteer engagement and their mechanisms of influence. This study combines self-determination theory and conservation of resources theory to examine how external regulation and intrinsic motivation shape volunteer engagement through emotional labor strategies. Based on a three-wave time-lagged sampling of Chinese 952 volunteers, we find that external regulation reduces volunteer hours and increases volunteering turnover via surface acting; intrinsic motivation increases volunteer hours and reduces volunteering turnover via deep acting. This study may suggest a preliminary insight into the mediating effect of emotions between DOVs and volunteer engagement. Finally, this study suggests that nonprofit organizations providing social services should focus on training and channeling volunteers’ emotional labor during volunteering.

Exploring mediation effects of internalized positive and negative age stereotypes between volunteer hours and purpose in life for adults 50+

Exploring mediation effects of internalized positive and negative age stereotypes between volunteer hours and purpose in life for adults 50+

Exploring the experiences, motivations, and skillsets of nurse volunteers during Hajj: implications for enhancing volunteer programs

BackgroundThe annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world, necessitating the involvement of healthcare professionals, including nurse volunteers, to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. This study aims to explore the experiences, motivations, and skillsets of nurse volunteers during the Hajj pilgrimage, focusing on the personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions of volunteering, and providing insights to enhance volunteer programs.MethodsThe demographic data shows that the majority of nurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 fell in the 30–39 age group and were predominantly women. The study provides insights into the interest, experience, and motives for volunteering, with spiritual motives cited as a primary driver. An overview of volunteer hours, perceived benefits, and pre-existing skills reveals diverse commitments and skillsets among the volunteers.ResultsNurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 show diverse age and gender composition, strong commitment, spiritual motives, varied engagement, and professional skills. Team dynamics, skills development, and positive experiences are crucial. A potential gap exists in preparatory education. Significant associations are found between age, volunteer hours, training, skill practice, and gender.ConclusionThis study highlights the multifaceted benefits of volunteering during Hajj and underscores the need for decision-makers to devise strategies that cater to diverse needs, foster collaboration, and enhance the preparedness of nurse volunteers. Further research is suggested to examine the long-term impact of volunteering during Hajj on nurses’ professional development and personal well-being and to evaluate the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, training programs, and support initiatives.

DO INTERNALIZED AGE STEREOTYPES MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING AND PURPOSE IN LIFE FOR ADULTS 50+?

Abstract The productive aging literature suggests that volunteering plays a crucial role in enhancing psychosocial well-being among older adults. A growing body of research based in stereotype embodiment theory also demonstrates significant negative health impacts of internalized age stereotypes. Yet, limited research explores which social engagement activities may both reduce internalized ageism and enhance psychosocial health as people age. This cross-sectional study investigated whether internalized age stereotypes mediate the relationship between volunteering and a sense of purpose in life for adults 50+. A convenience sample of volunteers (n = 154) 50+ years of age living in the U.S. Mountain West completed a 15-minute, online survey. The independent variable was number of volunteer hours per week (mean = 6.39, SD = 5.47). The dependent variable was purpose in life measured by six items from the positively worded, five-point purpose in life subscale of the Ryff psychological well-being scale (α = .75; mean = 3.93, SD = 0.61). Drawing from the self-stereotypes of aging scale, the indirect effects of five internalized positive (e.g., “wise” and “capable”) and five negative (e.g., “grumpy” and “helpless”) age stereotypes were tested. Results indicate that increased internalized positive, not negative, age stereotypes partially mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and purpose in life while holding constant age, gender, race, functional limitation, education, employment, self-rated health, and previous volunteer experience. The findings suggest that internalizing positive age stereotypes may function as a form of esteem and contribute to an enhanced sense of purpose in later life.

An evaluation of the Birchwood Junk Food Café, Skelmersdale.

Food waste is an issue of global concern requiring worldwide action. In the UK, £19 billion worth of food is wasted every year. A variety of initiatives have been developed to redistribute surplus food to those in need. The Birchwood Junk Food Café in Skelmersdale combines the reduction of food waste with community and societal benefits. The University of Manchester and the Birchwood Centre conducted an evaluation of the café including a customer satisfaction survey, a long-form health and wellbeing survey and qualitative interviews. Each day the café produces a three-course menu for the public on a 'pay-as-you-feel' basis. During an 18-month period, the café intercepted 32729kg of food that would otherwise have gone to waste, served over 1500 people, with 3500 covers, 60 different dishes and 1200 volunteer hours. Customer satisfaction was extremely high with 88% being repeated visitors and 86% rating the café as excellent. Volunteers include youth from the local Birchwood Centre, who gain valuable experiences. Customers benefit from social interactions and additional community cohesion. The café offers an unique opportunity to impact on the wider community and provides support and structure for the volunteers.

Developing and teaching an interprofessional service-learning undergraduate course for pre-health and human services students

This interprofessional service-learning course focused on exploring how social determinants of health such as economic stability, education, social and community environment, and health and health care affect populations. Through reading narratives and eliciting stories from participants and students during their volunteer hours at a local hospital, students increased their understanding of social determinants and learned effective interprofessional communication and collaboration strategies. The paper outlines the process and steps to building a partnership with a health care institution and supporting students as they engaged in service learning. Reflections from the instructors, facilitators, and students are discussed.

Increases in New but Not Returning Families to a Midwestern Food Pantry Network During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundFood pantries are a resource for those experiencing food insecurity. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in food pantry utilization and volunteerism for a food pantry network during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignThis 36-month longitudinal, observational study is a secondary analysis of data collected from an Ohio food pantry network. Participants/settingParticipants were clients of a food pantry network. The data represent visits from 12 months prepandemic (March 2019 through February 2020), during the pandemic (March 2020 through February 2021), and after vaccines were readily available (March 2021 through February 2022). Main outcome measuresEach data point represents a visit to the pantry network. The main outcome measures were total, returning, and new visits (ie, households that had not previously used this pantry network). The secondary outcome was volunteer hours by month. Statistical analysisIn order to account for month-to-month variability in pantry utilization, the data were analyzed using a time-series linear regression analysis with the month as the unit of analysis. ResultsA total of 174,397 visits were recorded during the course of 36 months. Sixty-nine percent of reporting household members were female, 48% reported at least 1 senior in the home, and 41% reported at least 1 child at home. There was no significant change in total or returning visits during the pandemic or after vaccines were available compared with prepandemic levels. However, there was a significant increase in new households to the food pantry network during the pandemic compared with prepandemic (P = .05). Volunteer hours decreased significantly during the pandemic compared with prepandemic months and remained low even after vaccines were available (P = .004 and P = .003, respectively). ConclusionsAlthough there was an increase in households new to the food pantry, overall utilization did not increase.

Unveiling the rise of Chinese volunteering from a civil and political engagement perspective

China, a country with a long history of government-coerced labour among commoners, has seen a striking rise of volunteering in the past three decades. At the same time, civil society in China has been rigorously constrained by the authoritarian state. This makes dubious the usually supposed linkage between volunteering and civil society development. Analysing a nationwide dataset, this study examines Chinese citizens’ volunteer participation from the civil and political engagement perspective. It finds that individuals’ engagement with the state, neighbourhood, and civil society all helped predict their decision to volunteer, but only a few factors concerning engagement in the neighbourhood and civil society were positively associated with volunteer hours when they decided to volunteer. The article concludes with discussion on the rise of volunteerism in contemporary China and its implication for civil society development.

A Qualitative Exploration of ACPE Standard 4 Key Elements From the Perspective of Student Pharmacists

ObjectiveAttitudes and skills reflecting the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standard 4 (ACPE-S4) remain an important component of pharmacy education. The objectives of this study were (1) explore student perspectives on the importance of ACPE-S4 key elements, and (2) identify experiences that students described as supporting ACPE-S4 attitude and skill development. MethodsThis was a qualitative study using focus groups and dyadic interviews with student pharmacists to collect data on ACPE-S4 key element importance and skill acquisition. A general inductive qualitative approach was used to analyze data, with 2 study authors independently reviewing all transcripts and assigning codes to text segments. Authors then met to discuss coding, iteratively organize coded segments into categories and subcategories, and select representative quotes. ResultsOverall, 3 focus groups and 3 dyadic interviews were conducted with a total of 20 students. Students ranked professionalism and self-awareness as the 2 most important key elements. From qualitative analysis, 4 categories and 10 subcategories of educational activities, programs, and experiences were identified as follows: Mentorship (Identifying a Mentor, Formal Mentorship Programs), Curriculum (Practice Lab, Professional Development Course, Interprofessional Education, Experiential Education), Cocurriculum (Organizational Involvement, Volunteer Hours), and Opportunities Outside Academic Setting (Work, Conferences, and Innovative Pharmacy Practices). ConclusionParticipants articulated several opportunities for developing the skills and attitudes reflecting ACPE-S4 key elements. Incorporating student input into ACPE-S4 attitude and skill development may help pharmacy programs consider how to design, refine, and implement initiatives and experiences to help students develop skills across ACPE-S4 focus areas.

Do Internalized Age Stereotypes Mediate the Relationship Between Volunteering and Self-Efficacy for Adults 50+ Years of Age?

This cross-sectional study examined whether internalized age stereotypes mediate the relationship between volunteering and self-efficacy for adults 50+ years of age. A convenience sample of volunteers (n = 173) residing in the United States of America Mountain West completed a 15-min, online survey. The independent variable was number of volunteer hours per week (mean = 6.44, SD = 5.50). The dependent variable was self-efficacy measured by five, four-point items from the general self-efficacy scale (α = .83; mean = 3.57, SD = .38). The indirect effects of five internalized positive and five negative age stereotypes were tested. Results indicate that increased internalized positive, but not negative, age stereotypes partially mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and self-efficacy. Although positive age stereotypes have long been considered a form of ageism, the findings suggest that internalized positive age stereotypes may function as a form of esteem to enhance psychosocial well-being.

The LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities Initiative: Community-Participatory Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change

The LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities Initiative: Community-Participatory Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change

Employee Volunteer Hours Generate Donations

The Volunteer Management ReportVolume 28, Issue 4 p. 3-3 Corporate Volunteer Programs Employee Volunteer Hours Generate Donations First published: 10 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/vmr.32052Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume28, Issue4April 2023Pages 3-3 RelatedInformation

Apple Corps Recognizes Volunteer Hours

Apple Corps Recognizes Volunteer Hours

The social, emotional, and behavioral skill antecedents to college students' volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disruptions to community functioning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic spurred individuals to action. This empirical study investigated the social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skill antecedents to college students' volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic (N= 248, Mage=20.6). We assessed eight SEB skills at the onset of a volunteering program, and students' volunteer hours were assessed 10-weeks later. Approximately 41.5% of the sample did not complete any volunteer hours. Higher levels of perspective taking skill, abstract thinking skill, and stress regulation were associated with more time spent volunteering. These results suggest that strength in particular SEB skills can prospectively predict prosocial civic behaviors.

Investigating the Impact of Community Volunteerism on the Mental Health of Medical Students.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of community service on the mental health of medical students through their perception of stress. The 10-item Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure the stress levels of 82 medical students over a 3-month period. Additional survey questions gauged students' weekly volunteer experiences in clinical and nonclinical settings and their perceived effects on stress and quality of life. Results found an inverse relationship between the number of clinical volunteer hours and perceived stress (P = .0497). Nonclinical and total volunteer hours were correlated with both reduced perceived stress levels (nonclinical P = .0095, total P = .0052) and better quality of life (nonclinical P = .0301, total P = .0136). All individual perceived stress scores fell into the low or moderate stress ranges of the Perceived Stress Scale per the week-to-week analysis. The preliminary results raised important research questions about the impact of volunteering on medical student perceived stress. As medical students face higher levels of stress in comparison to the general population, it is exceedingly important to determine methods to decrease their risk of compromising their mental health. This study may aid in decision-making and research in favor of or against offering community service opportunities as part of the core medical education curriculum.

DO INTERNALIZED AGE STEREOTYPES MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING AND SELF-EFFICACY AMONG ADULTS 50+?

Abstract Volunteering is associated with increased self-efficacy among older adults, and self-efficacy has been shown to mediate the relationship between ageism and health. A growing, compelling body of literature based in stereotype embodiment theory identifies significant, negative public health impacts of internalized age stereotypes. Yet, little research explores whether volunteering may both reduce internalized ageism and enhance self-efficacy as people age. This cross-sectional study examined whether internalized age stereotypes mediate the relationship between volunteering and self-efficacy for adults 50+. A convenience sample of volunteers (n = 165) 50+ years of age residing in the U.S. Mountain West was recruited. A 15-minute, online survey was utilized. The independent variable was number of volunteer hours per week (mean = 6.45, SD = 5.38). The dependent variable was self-efficacy measured by five items from the five-point, Likert-type general self-efficacy scale (α = .83; mean = 4.81, SD = 1.08). Drawing from the self-stereotypes of aging scale, the indirect effects of five internalized positive (e.g., “wise” and “capable”) and five negative (e.g., “grumpy” and “helpless”) age stereotypes were tested. Results indicate that increased internalized positive, but not negative, age stereotypes partially mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and self-efficacy while holding constant age, gender, race, self-rated health, functional limitation, education, employment, and previous volunteer experience. Although positive age stereotypes have long been considered a form of ageism, the results of this study suggest that internalized positive age stereotypes may function as a form of esteem to promote enhanced psychosocial health as people age.

Friendship in Later Life: APathway Between Volunteering Hours and Depressive Symptoms.

Friendships are essential in the face of social network changes in later life and friendships may be important for reducing depression risk. Social participation through volunteering is also associated with fewer depressive symptoms. What is less well-understood is whether friendships serve as a pathway in the link between volunteering and depression. We used panel data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010, 2014, 2018). Negative binomial regression within the SEM modeling framework was employed to analyze the association between volunteering and friendship, focusing on the indirect effect of friendships for understanding the volunteering and depressive symptoms relationship. Volunteer hours were positively associated with friendship (1-99 hr: β=0.17, p < .001, 100-199 hr: β=0.15, p < .001, 200hr and more: β=0.23, p < .001) and negatively associated with number of depressive symptoms (1-99 hr: β=-0.07, p=.06, 100-199 hr: β=-0.14, p < .001, 200hr and more: β=-0.17, p < .001). Friendship mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and depressive symptoms (indirect effects; 1-99 hr: β=-0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]=[-0.02, -0.00], p=.03), 100-199 hr: β=-0.01, 95% CI=[-0.02, -0.00], p=.03), 200hr and more: β=-0.02, 95% CI=[-0.03, -0.00], p=.03). Our findings underscored the role of volunteering in generating and maintaining friendships, as well as for friendships as a pathway between volunteer hours and depressive symptoms. Providing opportunities to maintain and grow friendships in later life may be a possible intervention strategy for older adults at risk of depression.

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Reshaping volunteerism during COVID-19.

282 Background: Nonprofits across the United States have been severely limited during the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic and have seen big drops in volunteer engagement. According to one survey, two-thirds of volunteers decreased or stopped contributing their time altogether due to the pandemic leaving a major gap in available support for nonprofits at a time when demand for many of their services has risen substantially. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance sought to adapt to the “new normal” of socially distanced operations by restructuring existing programs and encouraging our community to volunteer in virtual capacities during this time of social distancing. Methods: Each year, staff members at the Alliance collect data on volunteer roles, hours, and participants. Using this data, we are able to analyze and compare the number of volunteers, volunteer hours, and engagement rates for each role Data collected and reported for 2021 was compared to previous years to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteer hours at the Alliance. Results: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s established volunteer programs were promptly reshaped at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging existing fluency in remote volunteer roles, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance provided more peer-to-peer support both virtually and remotely during this time of social distancing. The total reported number of volunteer hours for 2021 was 85,100.5 hours, which is a nearly 300% increase from 2020 (29,391.5 hours), nearly 400% increase from 2019 (22,141.5 hours), and over 500% increase from 2018 (16,582 hours). The highest number of volunteer hours was seen in our DIY (peer-to-peer fundraising) program at 34,681 hours, followed by our Team Captains Walk at 16,200 hours, and in online peer-to-peer support groups Ally-to-Ally and Blue Hope Nation (BHN) at 9,083 hours. Compared to the previous year, DIY increased by over 350% (10,646 hours) and Ally-to-Ally and BHN increased by over 1200% (867 hours). It is interesting to note that peer-to-peer mechanics drove the largest increases during the isolating COVID years. Conclusions: Our results indicate the Colorectal Cancer Alliance was able to maintain full functionality and discover new and creative ways to not only keep volunteers engaged, but to also increase volunteer impact during the pandemic. The spike seen in peer-to-peer support efforts and activities helped contribute to increased psychosocial support for our volunteers and constituents. These positive outcomes from virtual volunteerism encourage us to continue to engage our volunteers in a virtual capacity going forward to broaden the scope of our impact during this time of social distancing. As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the Alliance plans to maintain the virtual and remote programs in place and to continue encouraging our allies to volunteer in any capacity they can.