Research Digest

Research Digest

Episodic Volunteering – Lessons We Can Draw from Research

The research paper explores the growing trend of episodic volunteering and its implications for volunteer management. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines literature reviews, qualitative interviews, and surveys.

Research Digest

Volunteering Legacies from the Olympic Games: Missed Opportunities

With a growing importance of legacy in bids to host mega events, this paper examines how far repeat or sustained volunteering after the event (social legacy) is facilitated by event organising committees leveraging existing volunteering infrastructure in host communities.

Research Digest

Continuing Professional Development Program Evaluation Focus Group Report

The research conducted by Monash University and Volunteering Victoria examines the effectiveness of a continuing professional development (CPD) program for volunteer managers. The study aims to evaluate the program's impact on volunteer managers' skills, knowledge, and practices.

Research Digest

Project Update: Developing a National Rural Volunteering Roadmap (2021 to 2025)

This four-year project investigates structural, geographic, organisational and personal factors affecting rural volunteering in Australia. Professor Kirsten Holmes, Curtin University provides a short update on progress so far and next steps.

Research Digest

Barriers to volunteering for marginalised groups: first nations peoples, newly arrived migrants and people with disability

The research paper explores the challenges and barriers faced by marginalised groups in participating in volunteering activities. The study aims to identify the obstacles preventing First Nations peoples, newly arrived migrants, and people with disabilities from engaging in volunteer work.

Research Digest

Anything else we should know about you to be a mega-sport event volunteer? From gender and person–job fit perspectives

The paper explores the factors influencing the experiences and performance of volunteers in mega-sport events.

Research Digest

All The Lonely People, Where Do They All Belong: Community Radio and Social Connection

The incidence of loneliness in Australia is growing. The personal and social consequences of loneliness are significant for those affected but also for policymakers. This article argues that community broadcasting in Australia should be valued as a medium that can reduce social isolation and enrich community cohesion.

Research Digest

The Free-Fall of Volunteer Leaders in Australian Grassroots Associations

Current availability of volunteer leaders for grassroot associations is declining. This study aimed to identify motivations and barriers to members of grass roots associations stepping up to leadership roles on committees and explore potential recruitment strategies.

Research Digest

Myths and Misconceptions About University Student Volunteering: Development and Perpetuation

This paper examines how erroneous myths and misconceptions are developed and perpetuated and can undermine the potential and value of university student volunteering.

Research Digest

Investing in Strategic Volunteer Engagement – A Qualitative Study

Volunteerism is a core element of society and the non-profit workforce in the US. It is assumed to be a positive activity offering benefits to non-profits, volunteers, and the community. Yet, raising or justifying funding to support the engagement of volunteers has been a challenge for many volunteer involving organisations (VIOs). This study explored what stops charitable foundations and funding organisations from investing in volunteer engagement, the kind of evidence that would encourage funders to invest, and the evidence they might need from grant partners to measure volunteer engagement.