weston-sustainabilityofa-2008.pdf (126.81 kB)
Sustainability of a long-term volunteer-based bird monitoring program : recruitment, retention and attrition
journal contribution
posted on 2008-01-01, 00:00 authored by I Wolcott, D Ingwersen, Mike WestonMike Weston, C TzarosWith an increasing demand and reliance on volunteers in a host of different sectors, the need for organisations to understand motivating factors behind volunteering, and how to retain volunteer services, is crucial. This paper examines the recruitment, retention and attrition among a group of volunteers participating in a long-term monitoring program for the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster. This project is one of the longest running of its type in Australia with more than 20 years of survey activities. Volunteers were most often recruited via other environmental agencies. Almost three-quarters of respondents had been involved in birdwatching or other bird monitoring activities usually in connection with conservation organisations. The modal response was an involvement of 10-20 years, with most other responses in the range 0-5 years. The majority intend to continue volunteering, but cited perceived health and time commitments as the main factors behind possible future decisions to cease volunteering. Respondents suggested improvements in the volunteer management of the program, and in particular, thought a personal 'thank you', would maintain motivation and participation.
History
Journal
Australian journal on volunteeringVolume
13Issue
1Pagination
48 - 53Publisher
Volunteering AustraliaLocation
Melbourne, Vic.ISSN
1325-8362eISSN
1836-0246Language
engNotes
Reproduced with kind permission of the copyright owner.Publication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal articleCopyright notice
2008, Volunteering AustraliaUsage metrics
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