Motivation for getting involved
The world is changing – and we can all make a difference. Especially in times of social challenges or demographic change, there are many good reasons not to stand on the sidelines, but to play an active part in shaping the future. For example, through personal involvement! Whether in the neighbourhood or through digital learning programmes: every bit of support counts.
Motivation that makes a difference
People get involved as volunteers for a wide variety of reasons, either without pay or in return for a small allowance. Their motives are as varied as the forms of volunteering themselves. Many people want to do something meaningful, help others or give something back to society. Others are looking for a sense of community, recognition, social involvement or a break from the daily grind. Sometimes volunteering also helps to alleviate loneliness and forge new connections.
Perhaps you want to share your knowledge, gain a new perspective or further your professional development. These are all good reasons. Whatever motivates you can be a starting point.
Good reasons that complement one another
People rarely get involved for just one reason. Often, several motives come together: the desire to help, to bring about change, to take on responsibility, to experience a sense of community, or to contribute one’s own skills. Personal goals and the desire to do something for others are not mutually exclusive. They can complement one another and strengthen one’s commitment in the long term.
Which motivation is most important at any given time also depends on one’s life circumstances. Family, friends, current events, social developments or simply the right moment can provide the impetus. And because life circumstances change, motivations can also change over time.
Reflect on your own motives. What really drives you? Talk to your points of contact and other volunteers, and make regular feedback a regular part of your daily routine. That way, volunteering becomes not just a good deed, but a lasting and meaningful experience.
If you understand the motivations of your volunteers, you can support them more effectively, deploy them more appropriately and recognise their value in a more targeted way. Regular discussions and structured feedback are not just an extra task. They form an important basis for reliable collaboration in volunteering.
Motivation leads to action
Often, a specific situation provides the impetus to get involved: something is missing, something could be improved, or someone needs support. You get stuck in, and this can lead to a commitment – sometimes long-term, sometimes temporary or project-based.
It is particularly in project-based involvement that the impact of one’s own efforts quickly becomes apparent. During this time, something important takes shape: a service is established, a place is transformed, people come together, or an idea is put to the test.
This makes motivation tangible. Those who know why they’re involved stick with it even when things get tough, turning projects into something resilient and inspiring.
Ask yourself regularly what is motivating you at the moment and whether anything has changed. Be open about your needs and clarify early on how much time and responsibility you’d like to take on. Adjust your approach if circumstances change. Volunteering should be empowering and fit well into your life.
Those who understand why people get involved are better able to support them and retain their commitment in the long term. Clear agreements on tasks and timeframes help to prevent people from becoming overwhelmed. Regular discussions reveal how volunteers are getting on and build trust.
Further information on the motivations of volunteers in Germany can be found in the Federal Government’s Volunteer Survey and in the study *Meaning in Volunteering* by the German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering.
A visit to the Stuttgart Training Campus
As part of the “Tour of Great Places for Volunteering”, videos were filmed at four locations. Here you can find out more about motivation.
Motivation leads to a new beginning
Motivation often stems from a thought, an experience or a desire for change.
It grows when that initial impulse turns into something concrete: a conversation, a contact or a small project. Whatever inspires you can be a starting point. Often, all it takes to turn that into commitment is the next step.
Not quite sure where to start? An idea doesn’t have to be fully formed right from the start.
Here are some practical steps to help you turn an initial spark of inspiration into a commitment:
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