Perspectives Of Volunteers Research Articles

Developing children's local food programs: One volunteer's perspective

While volunteers are widespread in U.S. local food systems, they have not been the focus of data collection or research. As a result, we have limited understanding of the perspectives and motivations of local food volunteers. In this reflective essay, I describe my insights from volunteering in Alexan­dria, Virginia. The two initiatives that I focus on were to establish a “Power of Produce” program at my local farmers market and an after-school culinary and gardening program at a private ele­mentary school. The former program I have been able to sustain for three years (as of this writing), whereas the latter program was discontinued after two eight-week sessions. In this essay, I describe my motivations in conceptualizing and organizing these programs. I also describe challenges I encoun­tered due to inexperience or capacity constraints as a volunteer. I conclude by discussing how additional research that examines the roles and motivations of volunteers could be valuable.

Well-being and ill-being: Prominences and differences in the perspectives of volunteers in the immediate and longer-term aftermaths of disaster

This paper presents the results of a PERMA (plus ill-being) analysis of the ways in which young post-disaster volunteers in Aotearoa New Zealand across the 2010-20 decade talked of well-being and ill-being. The 57 interviewees were divided into two cohorts based on whether they volunteered in the immediate or longer-term aftermath of disaster. Across both cohorts, interviewees believed that volunteering after disaster engendered significant well-being benefits, and that these benefits were instrumental in enabling them to counter the potentially negative impacts of disaster. Yet notable differences also existed between the two cohorts. A greater proportion of immediate post-disaster volunteers talked of tiredness/exhaustion (ill-being) but derived well-being from being part of a movement and enabling others. Conversely, those who volunteered in the longer-term aftermath recounted a broader experience of well-being (including a sense of being valued, commitment, satisfaction from having an enjoyable experience, interest, and developing self-belief). These findings contribute to scholarship on volunteers’ well-being by highlighting the differences in well-being experiences across youth volunteers in immediate disaster response and longer-term aftermath of disaster recovery.

‘It is successful, and if it is successful, it reduces crime, and it can make the victims happier’: volunteers’ perceptions of working in restorative justice

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of those volunteering within a restorative justice service thus enabling an insight into their perceptions of the different methods used, their beliefs about restorative justice effectiveness, and its place within the criminal justice system. The study also sought to identify any challenges and positive experiences the participants encountered during their role as volunteers, with volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic explored specifically.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from the participants (n = 5) via semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, thus enabling patterns within the experience of the volunteers to be identified.FindingsA prior understanding and interest in restorative justice was evident within the data, with participants demonstrating a preference for direct, face-to-face mediation. The perceived lack of support from external agencies was discussed along with the role of education in their volunteering experience. Finally, it was acknowledged that although face-to-face practice was deemed the most effective overall, certain practices adopted during COVID-19 enabled aspects of the role to be carried out more efficiently and equally as effectively.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study draw out real-world implications, producing tangible action points for restorative justice services. Some tentative suggestions for future practice are outlined.Originality/valueThe volunteers’ role within restorative justice is often overlooked within the literature (Paul and Borton, 2013) and time constraints can add additional barriers to a hard-to-reach population. However, volunteers play a vital role in restorative justice. By exploring and listening to the volunteers’ experience, this study expands an additional strand within the literature in terms of what makes restorative justice effective and the challenges that are faced from a volunteer perspective.

End-of-life conversations about death and dying from volunteer perspectives: A qualitative study.

Although often unrecognized, volunteers fulfill many essential roles in hospices and other end-of-life care settings. Volunteers complement the actions of professionals in fulfilling many extra care needs, such as delivering newspapers and tidying bedsides. We explored end-of-life conversations about death and dying between hospice volunteers and terminally ill people, with a particular emphasis on any expressed desire to die. Our 2 research questions were as follows: (1) What is the nature of end-of-life conversations between hospice patients and hospice volunteers? and (2) How do hospice volunteers experience conversations about death and dying with patients who are at the end-of-life? We conducted semi-structured interviews using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. We recruited hospice volunteers from 4 hospices in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer; 3 larger cities in the province of Alberta, Canada. We interviewed 12 participants to saturation. Four themes emerged: (1) trusting conversations about death and dying in the context of a safe place; (2) normalcy of conversations about death and dying; (3) building meaningful relationships; and (4) end-of-life conversations as a transformative experience. Our results emphasize the importance of preparing volunteers for conversations about death and dying, including the desire to die. The safe environment of the hospice, the commitment to patient confidentiality, and the ability of volunteers to meet the basic and emotional needs of dying people or simply just be present without having formal care duties that need to be completed contribute to volunteers being able to participate in timely and needed conversations about death and dying, including the desire to die. In turn, hospice experiences and end-of-life conversations provide a transformative experience for volunteers.

Refugees and asylum seekers in informal and precarious jobs: early labour market insertion from the perspectives of professionals and volunteers

PurposeThis article aims to explore the engagement of refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) in informal and precarious jobs from a civil society actors' perspective. Despite a burgeoning literature on refugee integration and a focus on institutional integration programmes, little is known about the early insertion of RAS into informal and precarious employment as an alternative to subsidised integration programmes, when these are available.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws on rich qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with social workers, volunteers and other professionals supporting migrants.FindingsData analysis shows that migrants' insertion in informal jobs and their rejection of integration programmes may be the result of people's need to access financial capital to cover actual and future needs. Although such an engagement may be criticised for hampering RAS’ integration, it can be seen as an important source of agency against insecurity surrounding one's legal status.Originality/valueThis article highlights the importance of legal status precarity in shaping informal workers' agency and perceptions of them, opening up a debate on the relevance of informal work in terms of long-term integration and future migration trajectories.

Enhancing education through community engagement: Perspectives of student volunteers


 
 
 
 Background. Engagement between higher education institutions and underprivileged communities holds valuable potential for mutual benefit. In a country of vast inequalities such as South Africa (SA), community engagement also has the potential, via health promotion of local communities, to alleviate some of the burden placed on the public healthcare system, while simultaneously strengthening the personal and professional development of student participants.
 Objective. To explore the experiences, perceptions and insights of student volunteers (SVs) who assisted with a collaborative health-promotion project. Methods. This qualitative study used thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of six SVs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, SA, who assisted in educating local vulnerable women on various aspects of female reproductive health at a wellness day for such women.
 Results. The SVs described the experience as positive and humbling, enhancing their professional and personal development. They reported that the community engagement helped them to define themselves and to grow skills they will need as future practitioners. The exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups helped them to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, while igniting an eagerness to empower these groups through improved health literacy.
 Conclusion. The insights provided by this qualitative exploration strongly support the use of community engagement to develop culturally sensitive, empathetic healthcare practitioners.
 
 
 

“Now I get what’s important” - Shifting philosophies of hospice society staff and trained volunteers involved in peer-facilitated Advance Care Planning workshops for the public

ObjectiveCommunity-led approaches can increase public engagement in Advance Care Planning (ACP). Better understanding of the experiences and perspectives of community staff and volunteers who host and facilitate community-led, peer-facilitated ACP workshops is valuable when considering the spread of these approaches. MethodsContent analysis of qualitative data from community-based hospice societies delivering ACP workshops to the public in British Columbia: one-on-one interviews with 5 organizational representatives and focus groups with 13 peer facilitators. ResultsThree main categories emerged: 1) ACP is about ‘Living well’; 2) Transitioning focus from legal forms to conversations; 3) Benefits to all involved. ConclusionsCommunity staff and volunteers acknowledge the role they could play in promoting ACP in their communities. They recognize the benefits to the facilitators and public participants from following a community-led approach that emphasizes the importance of ACP conversations over the completion of relevant legal forms. Additional potential benefits of this approach, as reported by the organizational representatives, are increased volunteer engagement, more community partnerships, and an enhanced organizational profile. Practice implicationsThis community-led model can be a meaningful and approachable way to engage the public in ACP. Hospice societies are well positioned in the community to incorporate ACP workshops into their programming.

Understanding the impact COVID-19 has had on grassroots cycling: the perspective of grassroots volunteers and British cycling staff

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose To understand and evaluate the impact COVID-19 had on the management of grassroots cycling from the perspective of grassroots volunteers and National Governing Body (NGB) staff. Research Approach Virtual interviews were undertaken with eight participants made up of six grassroots volunteers and two British Cycling staff. The participants came from across England offering a range of experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes. Results and Findings Five main themes were drawn from the research, emphasising the importance of adapting to ever-changing environments to ensure the sustainability of grassroots cycling beyond the pandemic. Themes such as technology’s influence on access and societal connections have clear influence on managing return to activity. Implications Recommendations were made with the intention of supporting key stakeholders. These include developing stronger connections between the NGB and grassroots clubs and sharing best practices. To support these recommendations, the authors suggest practitioners might consider adopting principles associated with design thinking approaches to management, in order to overcome challenges in their environments, and to foster innovative and creative approaches. Research Contribution In response to calls to gather evidence from those affected by COVID-19, this research captured lived experiences of those directly involved in supporting grassroots cycling throughout the pandemic.

A Photovoice Study on the Position and Role of Hospice Volunteers in Korea.

As the quality of life increases, so does the demand for a dignified life. Although there is an increasing interest in hospice care, which helps people experience a comfortable death, the level of change in perception and in its role remain insignificant. This study investigated the position and role of hospice care using photovoice, a technique used in Participatory Action Research, to analyze the data collected from hospice volunteers who participated in a training program in Korea. The participants viewed hospice volunteering from the two perspectives: facing unexpected farewells and supporting like bicycle training wheels, highlighting the role of the "connection between death, life, and rest" as a mediator in conflicts between the patients and medical staff. Although the participants dreaded hospice volunteering, it prepared them to share their lives and provided an opportunity for inner growth by expanding knowledge through learning and establishing a "meaningful connection with the community" because they volunteered out of love, not obligation. Because the demand for hospice and palliative care is increasing, this study is meaningful as it investigates the perception of hospice care and determines its influencing factors based on the perspective of hospice volunteers and the changes in their perception over time.

Qualifying Work Experience in England and Wales: The Opportunities and Risks Presented to University Law Clinics

This commentary details the sweeping changes to the route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales brought about in September 2021 and considers the opportunities and risks presented to university law school clinics by one aspect of this route: the new system of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The article reflects on the opportunities for law clinic development, innovation and recognition offered by QWE and weighs these up against the potential risks that will need to be managed carefully to avoid them becoming a threat to law clinic enhancement. The article considers the results of an early data gathering exercise to garner clinician and student volunteer perspectives on QWE within its first year of operation.

By the Volunteer, For the Volunteer: Volunteer Perspectives of Management Across Levels of Satisfaction

Volunteers play a critical role in government and nonprofit organizations. Yet, volunteer management research has focused on universal prescriptions or a contingency perspective based on the needs of the organization rather than the volunteer. As volunteers are a finite resource, how can nonprofits retain their volunteers? We conduct a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses to explore how assessments of volunteer management vary across satisfaction levels as delineated by the Net Promoter Score (NPS) scale. We find evidence that the most satisfied volunteers may be important resources to volunteer programs for the insight and advice they offer as champions of the collective. We also observe patterns across satisfaction levels suggesting that volunteer satisfaction is linked to volunteer development. Our research offers the NPS, a commonly used feedback measure, as a valuable tool for volunteer management to measure volunteer satisfaction, to identify enthusiastic promoters, and to examine volunteer development.

Volunteers of mega-events as co-creators of host destinations: Volunteers' experience, value, and satisfaction toward host destination

Volunteers serve as the largest labor force in a mega sporting event and may become ambassadors for the host city and event. Volunteers at a mega sporting event are considered the co-creators because they mentally and physically participate in the event from start to finish. Therefore, understanding the role of volunteers as co-creators is critical. Volunteers can also have experiences as tourists, because they tend to spend their free time by sightseeing in the host city. However, the tourist and co-creation experiences of volunteers remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to empirically explore the experience of volunteers in the host city, by considering the broader perspectives of volunteers. A survey questionnaire was administered to volunteers at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. A latent moderated structural equation (LMS) modeling was employed to test the established hypotheses. The findings demonstrated that volunteers hold experiences as tourists and co-creators, and these experiences influence the perceived value of the event.

The Use of ICT in Providing HIV Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study among Filipino HIV Volunteers

Background: The COVID-19 public health crisis has caused disruptions in the continuum of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services. Hence, HIV advocates and care providers must innovate to ensure the health and welfare of people living with HIV (PLHIVs) and other at-risk populations. There is a lack of empirical research that explores the experiences and perspectives of HIV volunteers in adapting to pandemic-related challenges.Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to describe the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the provision of HIV services of Filipino volunteers during the pandemic. Methods: Qualitative descriptive study design was used, focusing on ICT use for HIV care. Sixteen (16) purposively selected volunteers from three community-based organizations (CBO) were interviewed using a semi-structured guide via videoconference. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to draw insights from the data.Results: Findings revealed that volunteers used various ICTs such as social media, videoconferencing, dating sites, and online-based courier services to ensure continuity of HIV services. However, volunteers noted challenges in using ICT for HIV services, such as limited access to digital resources, increased work demands, and lack of human connection.Conclusion: Various tools and implementations of ICTs have been used by volunteers to ensure the continuity of services of PLHIVs. This study provides insights to nurses and informaticists in implementing digital technologies in caring for vulnerable clients during outbreaks like COVID-19.

Navigating the politics of recognition in volunteering: perspectives of young volunteers in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT This paper examines young volunteer’s perspectives of recognition in Aotearoa New Zealand. There is a politics of recognition to navigate with the rise of formalized practices of recognition that award and reward volunteer efforts. Many of these practices draw on a neoliberal logic that centre the individual and apply instrumental motivations to their engagement, which we describe as ‘accolades’. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young people, our analysis identifies a disconnect between the dominant forms of accolade that young volunteers receive, and the recognition that they consider meaningful. While volunteers appreciated accolades, they nevertheless treated them with caution and concern, highlighting the potential for accolades to elevate certain individuals while acting to marginalize, exclude and potentially devalue volunteers’ contributions. In contrast to these reservations, young volunteers considered forms of recognition that were relational and justice-based to be significant and meaningful, particularly those that allowed for community solidarity and engaged structural questions of power. In exploring these perspectives, we argue that neoliberal approaches to recognition, despite their prevalence, fail to capture young volunteers’ perceptions of the possibilities of recognition.

Stakeholder perspectives of a pilot multicomponent delirium prevention intervention for adult patients with advanced cancer in palliative care units: A behaviour change theory-based qualitative study

Background: Theory-based and qualitative evaluations in pilot trials of complex clinical interventions help to understand quantitative results, as well as inform the feasibility and design of subsequent effectiveness and implementation trials. Aim: To explore patient, family, clinician and volunteer (‘stakeholder’) perspectives of the feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent non-pharmacological delirium prevention intervention for adult patients with advanced cancer in four Australian palliative care units that participated in a phase II trial, the ‘PRESERVE pilot study’. Design: A trial-embedded qualitative study via semi-structured interviews and directed content analysis using Michie’s Behaviour Change Wheel and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Setting/participants: Thirty-nine people involved in the trial: nurses (n = 17), physicians (n = 6), patients (n = 6), family caregivers (n = 4), physiotherapists (n = 3), a social worker, a pastoral care worker and a volunteer. Results: Participants’ perspectives aligned with the ‘capability’, ‘opportunity’ and ‘motivation’ domains of the applied frameworks. Of seven themes, three were around the alignment of the delirium prevention intervention with palliative care (intervention was considered routine care; intervention aligned with the compassionate and collaborative culture of palliative care; and differing views of palliative care priorities influenced perspectives of the intervention) and four were about study processes more directly related to adherence to the intervention (shared knowledge increased engagement with the intervention; impact of the intervention checklist on attention, delivery and documentation of the delirium prevention strategies; clinical roles and responsibilities; and addressing environmental barriers to delirium prevention). Conclusion: This theory-informed qualitative study identified multiple influences on the delivery and documentation of a pilot multicomponent non-pharmacological delirium prevention intervention in four palliative care units. Findings inform future definitive studies of delirium prevention in palliative care. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12617001070325; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373168

Exploring potential for occupational therapy practice models within areas of social deprivation: A qualitative inquiry within a community-centred food cooperative

Background A health inequalities gap exists between wealthy and deprived areas. Community-level occupation-focused interventions may support citizens and address inequities within their environments. Since the global financial crash of 2008 and fiscal policy changes within the United Kingdom, there has been a rise in food insecurity. Community volunteer initiatives have responded by providing for their residents. The aim of this study was to explore how occupational therapists may be agents for social change through exploring perspectives of members and volunteers from a community food cooperative in an area of social deprivation. Methods Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with cooperative members and volunteers within a food cooperative established to address food insecurity in a local community. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results We found three main themes: It’s Not a Foodbank, Shared Hardship and a cross-cutting theme of Community. The results suggest occupation-focused responses can support the development of community and collective occupations thereby contributing solutions to shared problems. Conclusion A community-centred, rights-based approach has supported local community need where socio-economic disadvantage and health inequalities were identified. Scope exists for occupational therapists to work genuinely with (not for) communities to address occupational injustice through collective occupation.

Together Yet Apart: Remedies for Tensions Between Volunteers and Health Care Professionals in Inter-professional Collaboration

While volunteering is an essential factor in service delivery in many societal areas, the inclusion of volunteers in formal settings can also lead to tensions. In this article, we combine the literature on volunteering and inter-professional collaboration (IPC) to elaborate a framework regarding remedies for tensions between professional staff and volunteers within IPC in health care provision to ensure successful collaboration. Using a dyadic survey design to interview volunteers and volunteer managers, we show that the perspectives of volunteers and volunteer managers on the antecedents of effective IPC differ in paradoxical ways. While volunteer managers apply organizational logic concerning tasks and processes to avoid tensions, volunteers seek solutions on a relational basis. However, rather than trying to resolve these paradoxes, our study indicates that carefully managing tensions arising between volunteers and professional staff may be more successful than trying to resolve all tensions.

Structural barriers to refugee, asylum seeker and undocumented migrant healthcare access. Perceptions of Doctors of the World caseworkers in the UK

This article contributes new insights into how refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experience access to healthcare in the UK from both the perspective of caseworker volunteers and the assessment of policy regulations that influence such experiences. Drawing on material taken from qualitative interviews conducted with Doctors of the World caseworkers and Freedom of Information documents from NHS trusts, we reveal the various complexities faced by refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants when trying to access vital health care. These issues include, charging regulations, the refusal to register patients at GP practices without proof of ID, language barriers and complications navigating the healthcare system. We found that such deterrents lead to risky help and health seeking, lack of or inadequate healthcare, and worse health outcomes among these populations. DOTW caseworkers perceived policies such as charging regulations, to be unjust as they plunge patients into significant debt, which is reported to the Home Office and can lead to the detainment or deportation of patients and their families. Study participants called on the UK government to recognise health as a fundamental human right, to develop inclusive social policy and to create an empathetic health system that allows refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants equitable access to health and social services. To achieve health for all, they argued the need for clearer guidelines regarding access to healthcare and charging regulations, with some suggesting the importance of revising current Department of Health and Social Care policies and Home Office measures. Our article concludes that there is a need to tackle the underlying causes of ill health, including discriminatory policies, racism, and exclusion; addressing the social and economic determinants of health; and providing meaningful and culturally sensitive healthcare and social support.

'Well, what do You Want to do?' A Case Study of Community Palliative Care Programme: 'Heidi's Have a Go'.

The demand for palliative care has increased in high income countries as mortality in older adults has decreased and life expectancy increased. In this context, the priorities of palliative and end of life care (EoLC) have shifted in Australia, reflected in policy frameworks, national guidelines, service systems and funding models. However, aligning service systems and practice realities with these policy aspirations has been problematic in Australia and elsewhere. The current study investigates the recent implementation of a unique, community palliative care (CPC) programme called Heidi's Have a Go (HHaG) in regional Australia, which seemed to bridge the problematic divide between policy aspirations and practice implementation. Qualitative research was undertaken to examine the programme design and influence from the perspective of programme staff and volunteers. The data generated compelling stories on staff and patient experiences in its first 2years, achieving service outcomes aligned with current policy and national frameworks and privileging patient voices.

‘What’s important to me is to get people moving.’ Fostering social resilience in people with severe debt problems

ABSTRACT Resilience is considered an important solution to problematic personal debt. European debt policy and research generally focuses on the financial resilience of individuals against life events that may generate debt problems. However, many studies overlook the social dimensions of resilience with regards to tackling problematic personal debt. In this article, we therefore explore the meaning and practices of fostering social resilience in people with severe debt problems, from the perspective of social workers, debt counsellors and volunteers working in a disadvantaged urban community in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We conducted a case study and used qualitative research methods. The findings reveal that debt problems may lead to a state of inertia in people; an incapability to move, act on or change direction within a given situation. Social workers try to foster social resilience by generating a form of movement in this inert state, and by moving along with people as they work on their debt problems at their own pace and in their local environment. This endeavour involves three interactive practices: taking the lead, activating and connecting. We conclude that fostering resilience is less about tackling debt problems head-on, and more about nurturing positive change in people’s everyday lives and actions.