reportsummarising! research!and!findings! …...5...
TRANSCRIPT
1
REPORT SUMMARISING RESEARCH AND FINDINGS
Why do they do it?
What motivates people to get involved in
community-‐based activities?
Author and Researcher
Vendy Elizabeth Treagust
June 2013
2
This report summarises the findings of the research undertaken by me
as part of an award in Community Engagement and Governance within
the Undergraduate Modular Scheme at the University of
Gloucestershire in 2012/2013. I have received notification of the
achievement of a BA (Hons) in Community Engagement and
Governance, however the level of the award will not be notified to me
until after the Examinations Board in September 2013.
A bibliography of the sources referenced in this summary is at the end
of the report. The dissertation comprising a full report with appendices
and detailed bibliography was presented to the University of
Gloucestershire in April 2013.
Vendy E Treagust
June 2013
3
CONTENTS Page Numbers
1 Introduction 4 -‐ 6 2 Summary of Key Findings from Secondary Research 6 (Literature Review) 3 Results, Analysis and Evaluation 7 -‐ 18
(a) The ‘Big Society’ and Localism Act 2011 8 -‐ 9 (b) Community Involvement 9 -‐ 14
Frequency of involvement 10 Data from Citizenship Survey 11 Periods of Involvement 11 – 12 Status 12 – 13 Age Groups 13 – 14
(c) Primary Motivators 14 -‐ 18
4 Summary of Key Findings from Primary Research 18 -‐ 19 5 Conclusions and Recommendations 20 -‐ 22
BIBLIOGRAPHY 23 -‐ 25 FIGURES AND TABLES Figures 1 Map of South East Region of England 4
2 Map of Hampshire 5 3 Frequency of Involvement 10 4 Data from Citizenship Survey 11 5 Periods of Involvement 12 6 Status 12 7 Age Groups 13 8 Top six motives 19
Tables 1 Statistics re pilot studies and case studies 7 2 Motives 15
4
1 INTRODUCTION Motivation is what drives people to do something, so, this study was about understanding the primary motives for people engaging in community-‐based activities. To answer this question key objectives were identified to provide a brief context and history of involvement in community-‐based activities in England, and explain definitions of the meaning of ‘community’ and ‘community-‐based activities’. These objectives provided the context within which motivation – the final objective – could be addressed, that is ‘to establish primary motives for people engaging in their chosen community-‐based activities’: ‘why do they do it?’. The study also explored, in a wider context, the relevance of motivation to community engagement. For example how it links with the Big Society objectives of: community empowerment, social action and opening up public services and the 2011 Localism Act (LA2011), which provides new rights and powers for communities and individuals. So, it can be seen that the ‘Big Society’ and Localism Act offers a direct link to community-‐based activities by giving more power and responsibility to people and communities. But for people to participate they need to have the right conditions and participation does not always happen in the ways that policy-‐makers want or expect (Whitehead 2012, citing Brodie et al 2011). The County of Hampshire in the South East Region of England is the geographic area for the primary research. (The region is coloured dark green in Figure 1 below; it is also depicted on the inset map of Great Britain)
The primary research focussed on two illustrative case studies. The first case study was Hampshire local councillors (i.e. parish and town councillors and chairmen of
5
Parish Meetings1) because the local council sector is at the ‘grassroots’ of local government working closely with their communities. There are 9,967 parish, town and community councils2 in England and Wales that serve over 15 million people nationally (CLG [online] 2012) making it an important sector within local government. The overall local government structure in England comprises principal authorities3 and local councils4 (Politics.co.uk [online] 2013). The second case study was Emsworth, which is unparished5. However, it has 95 known community organisations6 reliant upon the involvement and interest of local people to help deliver services or provide community activities. The geographic location of Emsworth within the County of Hampshire is depicted on the map below:
�
The author has ‘insider-‐researcher’ status because she is an officer with Hampshire Association of Local Councils (HALC)7 and works with the local councils in Hampshire. She is also a resident of Emsworth and has an interest in the people and the place. Therefore, the author had to be unbiased in her research, analysis and evaluation of her findings.
1 For the purposes of this research Parish Meetings were included in the generic title of ‘local councils’. 2 The quota of local councillors for Hampshire is 2,058 3 County Councils, District Councils, Unitary Authorities, Metropolitan Districts and London Boroughs 4 Parish, Town and Community Councils 5 Emsworth is a small town in the south-east corner of Hampshire. ‘Unparished’ means that it does not have a parish or town council. 6 For the purposes of this research Community Organisations is a generic description of community-based clubs, groups, societies and other organisations 7 HALC is one of the county associations in England providing a range of services to member councils
Map (Figure 2) shows Hampshire coloured white, also depicted in red on the map of England (inset). Emsworth is depicted by red ring.
Source of map: Emsworth Map [online] 2012
6
2 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS FROM SECONDARY RESEARCH8
The secondary research included a literature review. It also focussed on three key sources of data for comparison with the primary research namely: (i) Thesis by Bridget Elizabeth Yates (2010) re ‘Volunteer-‐run Museums in English Market Towns and Villages’ (ii) DCLG Citizenship Survey (2010-‐2011) and (iii) Helping Out Survey (2006-‐2007) (Low et al 2013). The following summarises the key findings from the secondary research: v A history of people’s involvement in community-‐based activities using Yates9 (2010) research as a case study was explored. It revealed that many of the roles and tasks of the volunteers are moulded around their attributes and interests. v Analysis of the DCLG10 citizenship survey 2010-‐2011 showed that people place more importance on influencing decisions in their local area than being more involved with decisions made by their local councils. v It was revealed that community can be of a geographical nature and a set of social relationships that can also be ‘communities of interest’. v Community-‐based activities were identified as practical and carried out by individuals or groups. They can also involve community development workers who can support communities in a number of ways and make them more inclusive by involving those who have been marginalised from discussions. v Participatory practice involves a set of values over which there is no compromise although an argument was made that the process is not ‘a one size fits all’. v Motives such as self-‐interest, altruism, individual interest, choice, ownership and Maslow’s ‘humanistic view of motivation’ were explored as factors influencing community involvement. The involvement of 70,000 organised volunteers in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was given as an example of the empowerment of ‘interest and choice’. v It was also discovered that people often have multiple motives for participating in any activity. And understanding the triggers, barriers and impacts of participation are critical to the encouragement and sustainability of citizen involvement in community-‐based activities.
8 Literature Review 9 Bridget Elizabeth Yates was studying for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Gloucestershire 2010. Her thesis was ‘Volunteer Run Museums in English Market Towns and Villages’ 10 DCLG: Department for Communities and Local Government
7
3 RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
Statistics about the pilot and case studies are shown below (Table 1). The percentage response rate from the local councillors in the pilot and case studies is depicted. However, percentage response rates for those involved with community organisations (in both studies) cannot be calculated because the total number of people involved with those organisations is not known. 48 (19%) of the 262 Hampshire local councils were represented by the 88 responses received from local councillors.
The following topics were included in the questionnaires and the responses will be evaluated in this section:
a) The ‘Big Society’ and Localism Act 2011 (Hampshire local councillors only)
b) Community Involvement (All groups except where indicated) includes:
§ Type of community organisation § Role/activity of the respondents § Frequency of community activity § Periods of involvement § Status (paid, volunteer or both11 § Age Groups (Case studies only)
c) Primary Motivators
11 Both = respondents are involved with more than one community organisation and they have both voluntary and paid positions in different organisations
Type Place Local Councillors Community Organisations
Target Audience
No of Responses
No of Responses
Pilot Studies
Didcot, Oxfordshire
21 4 (19%) 4
Calne, North Wiltshire
19 5 (26%) 7
Case Studies
Hampshire local councillors
2,014 88 (4%) -
Emsworth community organisations
- - 25
TOTAL
2,054
97 (4.7%)
36
8
(a) The ‘Big Society’ and Localism Act 2011
Questions were included to elicit the views of Hampshire Local Councillors about what impact, if any, the ‘Big Society’ and localism will have on the local council sector and whether they believe people will be motivated to get more involved in community-‐based activities. First question re ‘what impact, if any, will the ‘Big Society’ and legislation have on the local council sector’? Some of the responses showed there is concern about the competency of some community organisations. Also, to be able to deliver the ‘Big Society’ it requires devolution of money but the ‘Big Society’ is inexorably linked to deficit reduction12 (McCabe, 2010). CRC share this concern commenting: “the ‘Big Society’ is in fact a smokescreen for cuts” (CRC, 2010, p.7). Thus the view put forward by some respondents that localism is about local people being responsible for local services that have been cut by local authorities does have some credence. Nevertheless, “volunteers should not be regarded as an alternative to paid employment” (CRC, 2010, p.6). Respondents also have concerns that society is changing and it was suggested that people are selfish and not being brought up to give to their community. Although, the Helping Out survey (HOS) (2006-‐2007) shows that in response to a question about whether ‘volunteering makes them a less selfish person’ 42% said that it was fairly important [to them] and only 9% said it was ‘not important at all’. This suggests that not only are people giving to their community they are gaining personal benefit from it and in some cases it is making them less selfish. Second question re: ‘Will the ‘Big Society’ and localism motivate people to get more involved in community-‐based activities’? Although there are some positive comments, many respondents were unconvinced the ‘Big Society’ and 2011 Localism Act will motivate people to get more involved in community-‐based activities. This is not unusual because there are many barriers preventing people from getting involved such as lack of resources (time, health), practical (transport), psychological (lack of trust) and social/cultural (perceptions of community) (NCVO et al [online] 2010). Therefore, there is a need to promote community involvement and social activism (Clary and Snyder, 2010) and convince people of the benefits of getting involved because if the drivers are not motivated and enabled the ‘Big Society’ aim to empower local communities will be hindered. For instance, there are a number of factors that affect individuals’ propensity to participate, including personal interest, an aspiration to change things and have a voice, together with background influences such as upbringing, faith and life experiences (NCVO et al [online] 2002, p.1). Stokes and Knight (1997) also discuss
12 Across all Government Departments with the exceptions of health and international aid
9
‘organising a civil society’13 suggesting that people’s culture and values will affect their interest and motives for getting actively involved in community activities. (b) Community involvement A shared activity in public life satisfies interests that cannot be met in other ways. It enables us to improve our condition14 ‘for ourselves and our families’ (Stokes and Knight, 1997). 49 (56%) of the Hampshire local councillors that responded were involved with other community organisations (on a personal basis) compared with 67% of the councillors in the pilot study. An indication that many local councillors are ‘dual hatted’. Analysis of the data also shows that Hampshire local councillors are likely to be involved with the same types of community organisation as the respondents from Emsworth who are not local councillors. However, some local councillors15 are also involved with local authority groups such as transport forums. The type of community organisations that respondents are involved with range from: village hall associations to religious groups. The Citizenship Survey (2010-‐2011) shows that 74% of respondents felt it was important to be able to ‘personally influence decisions in their local area’ compared with 44% who ‘would like to be more involved in Council decisions affecting their area’. This data emphasises that the majority of respondents prefer to have some level of control and/or management of decisions concerning their community rather than leaving it to the local council. It also means that it could be possible for them to intervene in order to change events (Petrescu, Tom and Marian, 2006). The responses from all sources16 illustrated that their involvement is driven by an interest in similar activities regardless of their roles.
Yates (2010) study focussed on research about people’s involvement in volunteer-‐run museums but she also found that many of the volunteers were involved in other community organisations suggesting that people who volunteer will often be involved with more than one organisation. This study supports this view because 25 respondents are involved with 52% (49) of the 95 known community organisations in Emsworth. Another indication that those who volunteer are often ‘dual-‐hatted’, although the multi-‐motivational nature of volunteering means that the same volunteer may be pursuing more than one goal (Clary and Snyder 1999) within the same or other community organisations.
13 Such as the importance of faith, family, neighbourhood, language, community, history, tradition, shared identities and experiences, mutual obligations and collective thought and action 14 For example, a cleaner neighbourhood, a safer street, a better bus service 15 In their role as councillors 16 Pilot studies and case studies
10
The types of voluntary role or activity undertaken by respondents of the community organisations and the councillors,17 in a personal role provide valuable help-‐in-‐kind to community projects. For example: conservationist, fund-‐raiser and professionals such as lawyer and accountant. Yates (2010) also found that many of the roles carried out by volunteers in her survey were similar although she also listed ‘curatorial’ which is a very specific area of expertise with regard to museums. The role of local councillors18 within community organisations were quite wide-‐ranging but included being the parish council representative on organisations such as the village hall committee or Trustee of a local charity. This type of involvement is a way of building social capital such as community spirit, civic engagement and local democracy (Warburton, 1998) which can lead to “collective action for social change” (Ledwith and Springett (2010, p.14). All groups were asked about their frequency of involvement. Figure 3 below shows that the respondents (case studies) are involved ‘A few hours per week’19.
An ‘option’ box was included for respondents to insert their own frequency of involvement. 7% (6) Hampshire local councillors, 25% (5) pilot study respondents and 16% (4) Emsworth respondents completed the box. But because answers were similar to the original list of options the responses were not included in the analysis.
17 Pilot studies and case studies 18 Both pilot and case studies 19 This compares with the pilot studies where the majority of all respondents are also involved for the same period
Figure 3: Frequency of Involvement. (1) A few hours per day. (2) A few hours per week. (3) A few hours per month. (4) Variable (i.e. no set routine)
11
Although direct comparison of the data with the Citizenship Survey20 is not possible, because the options offered in that survey were different, Figure 4 below shows that the highest percentage of formal and informal volunteering occurred just once a year21. This is vastly different to the ‘few hours per week’ identified by this research.
Analysis of periods of involvement (Figure 5 overleaf) shows that 44% of Emsworth respondents have been involved for ‘more than 20 years’. Hampshire Local Councillors have been involved as follows:
33% in their role as a councillor: Between 1 and 5 years
27% on a personal basis: More than 20 years. The results from the pilot studies were similar. It is not possible to directly compare Yates (2010) findings with this data because her options were different. Her results revealed that 75.5% of her respondents had volunteered for ten years or less and 24.5% had volunteered for longer.
20 DCLG Citizenship Survey for England 2010-2011 21 The statistics also show that the number of people participating in volunteering in 2010-11 has reduced since 2001.
Figure 4: Data from Citizenship Survey
12
Figure 5
Periods of Involvement shown in years
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Up to 1 year Between 1 and 5 Between 5 and 10 Between 10 and 15 Between 15 and 20 More than 20
Num
ber o
f Peo
ple
Hampshire Local Councillors Councillors: personal basis Emsworth Respondents
The results (all sources) do not show a particular trend and this may be because motivation directly and significantly influences duration of service (Rochester et al 2010 citing Omoto and Snyder 1995). Volunteers “stay as long as they are satisfying motivations relevant to them” (Rochester et al 2010, p.138 citing Clary and Snyder 1991).
Status22:
Figure 6 below shows the status of respondents (volunteer, paid or both23):
22 Hampshire local councillors were only asked to respond in respect of their personal involvement, not as a councillor 23 Both = respondents are involved with more than one community organisation and they have both voluntary and paid positions
13
Responses from the case studies show that just over 93% are volunteers, less than 1% are paid and nearly 6% are ‘both’. The pilot studies revealed that all respondents from the community organisations are volunteers (100%) and 8 of the 9 local councillors (89%) are also volunteers. These results fit with the ethos of the ‘Big Society’ that promotes, community engagement, empowerment and active citizenship. Nevertheless, there is a concern that the ‘Big Society’ is a “Trojan horse for job cuts with unpaid volunteers or activists brought into fill the gaps left behind” (CRC [online] 2010).
Age Groups
(This question was included in the questionnaire to the case studies as a result of feedback from the pilot study which suggested that it would provide useful data.) The “propensity to volunteer is not equal across the United Kingdom’s adult population” (Rochester et al 2010, p.42), but the findings below (Figure 7) show that the highest numbers of respondents are aged between 60 and 70 years, namely: 34% (3) of 88 Hampshire local councillors and 52% (13) of 25 Emsworth respondents. A review of the data from the 2011 Census of England shows that Emsworth has a higher percentage of people aged 65+ than Hampshire; although countywide the highest percentage of the population is aged between 20 and 44 years.
Yates (2010) survey of 10 volunteer-‐run museums supports this primary data because 74% of her respondents were aged over 65, with a further (14%) aged between 55 and 64.
14
This research shows volunteers are older citizens. This cannot be good for the future of volunteering because as these people cease to be involved in their community activities ‘who will replace them?’; unless the National Citizen Service24 for sixteen year olds25 (McCabe, 2010) is effective. People aged between ‘teens and older citizens’ also need to be encouraged to participate in community activities. Therefore, community organisers should have succession plans in place that proactively plan and execute tactics so that there is a minimum negative effect to the organisation when someone leaves (Lutchman 2011).
(c) Primary Motivators
Having ‘set the scene’ and put the research into context the focus turns to the crucial point of this study: ‘What motivates people to get involved in community-‐based activities?’. Table 2 (p.23) lists the motives26 together with the total number of ‘votes’ each of the motives received from respondents. This was a multiple choice question allowing respondents to select all of the motives they felt applied to them. Therefore the totals will not equal the number of responses received. Respondents were also given the opportunity to add any motive that was not listed which they felt applied to them. Of the 16 comments received from both case studies the majority of responses had similar meanings to those listed but 2 (16%) were very specific, namely:
(i) My Godparents had a huge impact on my formative years and they taught me that ‘if you can, you should’. So may be ‘moral obligation’?
(ii) To follow the example of Jesus in helping the world.
These comments compare with similar data from HOS (2006-‐2007), which revealed 17% of respondents were motivated to volunteer because ‘it was part of their religious belief’ and although ‘moral obligation’ is not defined in HOS, ‘23% said it was part of their ‘philosophy of life’. Table 2 ‘List of Motives’ is overleaf. The top six motives receiving the highest number of ‘votes’ are shown in bold.
24 A concept of prescriptive if not compulsory volunteering proposed by the Prime Minister David Cameron and the Government 25 Two months training is proposed to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens 26 Included in the questionnaires to the case studies. A similar list of motives was sent to the pilot studies and they were given the opportunity to suggest changes. As a result three additional questions were added to the questionnaire that was issued to the case studies.
15
Table 2
Motives (Listed in questionnaires)
H
amps
hire
Loca
l C
ounc
illor
s
88
resp
onde
nts
Em
swor
th
25 r
espo
nden
ts
Com
bine
d to
tal
of a
ll ‘v
otes
’
As Cllr Personal
Because I was asked to help
41 35 11 87
General interest (in the work of the organisation)
55 53 16 124
Give something back to the community
71 51 19 141
Increase my self-esteem/confidence
11 8 2 21
I was angry about something and wanted to try and make a difference to the organisation
7 3 0 10
I was angry about something and wanted to try and make a difference to the wider community
7 3 0 10
I wanted to make difference (without being angry about something)*
51 31 17 99
Keep busy and active
35 31 11 77
Learn more about the locality
40 9 2 51
Seeking companionship/friendship
7 10 4 21
Self-interest (e.g. commercial/financial, political, legislative)
3 1 3 7
To influence
29 15 4 48
To be part of something/to be involved
59 49 18 126
To use/share my knowledge and skills
59 45 13 117
To develop my knowledge and learn new skills
27 20 10 57
To enhance my job prospects*
1 2 1 4
To feel useful*
40 27 6 73
Motives marked thus * were suggested by the pilot studies.
16
The number of ‘votes’ from respondents in this research is shown in brackets. The literature review, Yates research (2010) and the Helping Out Survey (HOS) (2006-‐2007) will be compared and evaluated with these motives. Give something back to the community (141) “Social capital or a ‘Big Society’ cannot be created or sustained from the outside…ultimately it is the community and its residents that have the strongest motivation27 to shape it for the better” (Westwood28, 2011, p.699). ‘To give something back’ was the highest scoring motive in this study. Yates survey (2010) supports this result because 28% of her respondents also want ‘to give [or put] something back’. This form of altruism is challenged by (Rochester et al, 2010) because their research shows that volunteers’ feel compelled to give what they think is a socially acceptable answer. However, altruistic people tend to volunteer more than others (Smith et al, 2010) and there is no evidence from this research that respondents were trying to be socially or politically correct. To be part of something/to be involved (126) Although Margaret Thatcher29 argued that ‘there is no such thing as society…’ (Lewis [online] 2013) the selection of this motive in the top ten of this research reflects people’s social needs30, which may encourage all who believe in ‘community’. There are numerous benefits that can and do result from community involvement and these benefits accrue to those who volunteer as well as to the community (Clary and Snyder 2002). However, the other sources of research used for this analysis revealed a 6.5% response rate from Yates (2010) survey and the motive did not feature at all in HOS (2006-‐2007).
General interest (in the work of the organisation) (124) A ‘general interest in the work of the organisation’ was the most popular motive in Yates (2010) survey with a 67.3% response rate. ‘Interest in local history’ was also specified. To use/share my knowledge and skills (117) (Social Equality31) Volunteers’ motives are often based on the simple premise of ‘what do I want to give’ (as described by Jones, Doveston and Rose, 2009); ‘using and/or sharing knowledge and skills’ ranked quite highly in the responses from the case studies. It also featured in Yates (2010) survey with 22.4% motivated to ‘use’ their knowledge
27 Common needs unite – social equality 28 Former Government adviser 29 Margaret Thatcher was formerly British Prime Minister 1979-1990. 30 Free choice to do something people identify with 31 Communities with skills and resources are able to take opportunities. Common needs unite.
17
or skills and 10.3% wanting to hand them on [or share]; 27% of the respondents to HOS (2006-‐2007) also wanted to ‘use existing skills’. I wanted to make a difference (without being angry about something)32 (99) Options citing ‘anger’ were included in the list of motives because McCabe (online 2010) talks about anger as a motivator for social action. Being angry about something to make a difference to the organisation or to the wider community each received 10 votes putting them in joint 13th place. The third motive ‘wanting to make a difference without being angry’ was in 5th place with 99 votes. Anger did not feature as a motive in Yates (2010) survey responses or HOS (2006-‐2007). Although ‘feelings of injustice often provide the spark for someone to decide to engage or take action’ (Involve et al, 2011, p.3) these findings show that anger was not a strong motive for people’s involvement in community-‐based activities. Because I was asked to help (87) The results of Yates (2010) survey showed that 60.7% of respondents included ‘helping’ among their motivations for getting involved initially, Helping others is an altruistic motivation and a ‘helping personality’ is linked to duration when mediated by satisfaction (Rochester et al, 2010) although only 10 (9.3%) of the respondents had put ‘a wish to help their community’ as their main reason for continued commitment. Self-‐Interest does not feature in the top six motives of this study (it is ranked 15th in the survey with 7 votes). Although, ‘a connection with family/friends interests’ (29%) and ‘a connection with the person’s own interests and hobbies’ (2%) is included in HOS (2006-‐2007). Stokes and Knight (1997) argue that honesty about our own enlightened self-‐interests and understanding where our self-‐interests merge with the common interests of others is vital because “when people are acting together in common self-‐interest, significant power can be exerted; when people are kept apart and their self-‐interest is managed by others, powerlessness results” (Stokes and Knight, 1997, p.14). Additional data Yates (2010) survey featured ‘opportunities for personal education’33; although ‘getting a recognised qualification’ only received a 2% response rate in HOS (2006-‐2007). Yates (2010) also identified that ‘fun’ was given as a reason for being involved and ‘enjoyment’ as one of the main reasons for staying involved in community activity. The motivation to join community groups can be to do ‘fun’ things, which is meeting people’s social needs (one of the factors influencing the ‘Big Society’). 32 This motive was not included in the pilot studies’ questionnaire 33 Develop knowledge/learn new skills ranked 9th in the responses from the case study in this research
18
Fun and/or enjoyment are not specifically mentioned in HOS data and they were not included in the responses from the case studies. However, “volunteers who serve in roles that match their own motivations will derive more satisfaction and more enjoyment from their service and be more likely to intend to continue to serve than those whose motivations are not being addressed by their activities” (Clary et al 1997, p.13).
4 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS FROM PRIMARY RESEARCH
The literature review presented a varied range of concepts and theories about motivation and the history of involvement in community-‐based activities in England was also considered. This provided a context for this research and the results are summarised below:
94% of Hampshire Local Councillors answered questions about the ‘Big Society’ and 2011 Localism Act. There is some scepticism34 about government’s real intentions and concern about devolving powers/responsibilities to organisations that may not be competent. Many respondents were unconvinced that people will be motivated to get more involved in community-‐based activities. Some of the barriers that prevent people from getting involved were identified.
Community involvement. The review showed that:
• 34% (30) of the 88 Hampshire local councillors and 52% (13) of the 25 Emsworth respondents are aged between 60 and 70 years old.
Yates (2010) research showed 74% were aged over 65, with a further 14% aged between 55 and 64.
§ 56% of Hampshire local councillors and 67% of councillors in the pilot study are involved with other community organisations on a personal basis35.
§ The majority of respondents (all study groups) are involved in
community activities ‘a few hours per week’. § 44% of Emsworth respondents have been involved in community
activity for ‘more than 20 years’. 33% of Hampshire local councillors ‘between 1 and 5 years’ (role as a councillor). 27% involved ‘more than 20 years’ (personal basis).
34 ‘Do local people trust their local elected leaders and Government?’ 35 Such as Village Hall Associations and Charitable Trusts
19
§ All study groups were involved with the same type of community organisations (for example village hall management committees); their roles or activities were also similar.
§ 93% of respondents are volunteers, 1% are paid. Nearly 6% are
‘both’ (i.e. they are involved with more than one community organisation and they have both voluntary and paid positions)
Motivation: The study showed that the top six primary motives for being involved in community-‐based activities are:
Figure 8
The study also revealed that people often have multiple motives for participating in any activity, such as self-‐interest which only featured 15th in the survey. Nevertheless, it was evaluated because people often put forward altruistic reasons for being involved in community activities (such as ‘wanting to help’) but their reasons may be self-‐interest (for example, they want to help because they can influence something). Therefore, people need to be honest about their “own enlightened self-‐interests, to escape the self-‐delusion of perpetual sacrifice for others…and when people are acting together in common self-‐interest, significant power can be exerted “ (Stokes and Knight, 1997, p.14). The study closed with conclusions and recommendations.
20
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Conclusions
Involvement often relies upon people volunteering (Richardson 2008) and this illustrative study supports this view because 93% of the respondents are volunteers. However, recruiting and retaining volunteers can be a challenge to community groups (Richardson 2008), so finding the key that will unlock people’s motivation is just the start of getting people involved. Sustaining their involvement in community activity is another challenge. LOCOG36 recruited Games Makers for London 201237 according to their passion and potential because people perform at their best when they understand the strategic value of what they are doing (Wong [online] 2012). The age range of those volunteers also varied but this illustrative research shows that the majority of community activists are aged between 60 and 70 years of age. This is a concern because it means that much of the community activity rests with an ageing population that are giving their time and resources on a voluntary basis which is not sustainable. There are also many barriers that prevent people from getting involved in community activities such as time, transport and the aspiration to change things (NCVO et al [online] 2010). These are factors that may prevent a wider age range of citizens from being drawn into the Government’s concept of bottom-‐up community led activities, which was launched under the banner of the ‘Big Society’ and localism. So, what is the future because community involvement cannot thrive and grow, unless younger and more ‘middle aged’ people step into the arena of community activism? A clue to part of the answer is LOCOG’s strategy of targeting people with ‘passion and potential’ which also links with the top six motives in this study, in particular ‘being part of something, being involved’ and ‘being interested’. The Government recognising that younger people need to get more involved put forward the National Citizen Service programme38 for sixteen year-‐olds. However, it’s not just about training younger people because this research showed that respondents’ are sceptical about the Government’s real intentions (vis a vis the ‘Big Society’ and localism) with comments such as ‘I cannot see that an Act or Government decree will effect people’s motivation, if anything it may work against it’. Some respondents thought localism was a good idea but concern was expressed about devolving power and responsibility to communities without funding. This is a clear message to central Government that the reality of delivering the ‘Big Society’ is not that easy? This illustrative survey suggests that the coalition Government has
36 London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 37 London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games 38 Training program for sixteen year-olds to help develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens
21
not completely won the hearts and minds of its electorate and ‘putting more power in people’s hands’ is not seen as a quick fix to sustaining communities. So, what motivates people to get involved in community-‐based activities? The findings reveal that there is not a specific motive associated with community involvement. A range of motives were identified which showed that people can have mutliple motivations; very often it comes down to what interests people and whether they have the time to get involved.
5.2 Recommendations
Community Development Workers, Organisers and Agencies must understand that people’s motives for getting involved in community activities will vary. Their approach to recruitment must be flexible so that they can reach out to those that have the time, skills and experience. And the passion and potential to help make a difference. The training programme for sixteen year-‐olds is an opportunity both for the younger generation and the voluntary sector. However, community organisers should have succession plans in place that will minimise negative effects to the organisation when someone leaves (Lutchman 2011). Such programmes should aim to close any existing skill and competency gaps and community organisers should share their plans with communities to increase awareness. ‘Because I was asked to help’ was in the top six motives, which means there is evidence that people do respond positively to ‘being asked to get involved’ in community activities.
Central and Local Government must learn and understand that devolution of power and responsibility to communities without funding will not help achieve the objectives of the ‘Big Society’. It could also lead to the public losing interest in localism, especially when the Government is giving mixed messages. For example: The Secretary of State’s use of terms such as ‘guided localism’ and ‘muscular localism’ suggesting an inability to let go of the reins and fully embrace the concept of localism (CLG [online] 2013). This can be frustrating and confusing for local councils and other community organisations.
Training providers for voluntary community organisations and the local council sector: One of the reasons that Games Makers were successful at London 2012 is that they received unprecedented training to prepare them (Langhorn [online] 2012). Community organisations must recognise the importance of training volunteers to develop their skills and maintain their motivation. Training organisations such as Hampshire Community Action (or similar organisations for the voluntary sector in other counties) and the CALCS39 should find the results from this study about motivation a useful
39 County Associations of Local Councils (for the local council sector)
22
tool when designing and delivering training community activists in the voluntary and local council sector.
Voluntary Sector: Clear, shared and challenging goals contribute to a unifying and motivating approach to achieving goals (Bevan [online] 2012). But sometimes to help attract and retain volunteers inducements are needed. For example the Orange Rock Corporation40 gives away tickets to concerts for teens doing community volunteering41. Therefore, it is recommended that community organisations should try and do something similar by entering into an arrangement with a local company, such as a theatre or leisure club, to promote volunteering. Another option is to apply for a grant from the Big Society 2013 Awards Programme42, which promotes social action – encouraging people to be more involved in their communities (BSN [online] 2013).
‘This summary report ends’
40 In partnership with Blackberry and Chanel 4 41 4 hours community volunteering earns a ticket 42 The Big Society Awards recognise and celebrate individuals, groups or organisations doing exceptional work in the community, going above and beyond to make things better for others
23
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BSN (Big Society Network) 2013. The Big Society Awards Programme 2013. [Online] Available at: www.bigsocietyawards.org (Accessed 17 March 2013) Clary E Gil and Snyder M (2002) Community Involvement: Opportunities and Challenges in Socializing Adults to Participate in Society. Journal of Social Issues, Vol.58, No.3, pp.581-591. Journal of Social Issues. Clary E Gil and Snyder M (1999) The Motivations to Volunteer: Theoretical and Practical Considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Vol.8, No.5, pp.156-159. American Psychological Association. Blackwell Publishers Inc. Clary E Gil, Snyder M, Ridge R D, Copeland J, Stukas A A, Haugen J and Miene P (1997). Personality Processes and Individual Differences: Understanding and Assessing the Motivations of Volunteers : A Functional Approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol.74, No.6, pp.1516-1530. American Psychological Association. Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) (2013) Rural Economics Intelligence Report: Economic Conditions for organisations contributing to the Big Society in Rural England. [Online] Available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/crc/ (Accessed 8 March 2013)
DCLG (Communities and Local Government, The Department for) (2013). Government Response to the House of Commons, CLG Select Committee Report : Councillors on the frontline. Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for CLG by Command of Her Majesty. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/142094/8582.pdf (Accessed 28 March 2013) DCLG (Communities and Local Government, The Department for) (2012). The Big Society. [Online] Available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/bigsociety/ (Accessed 2 June 2012) DCLG (Communities and Local Government, The Department for) (2012). The Localism Act 2011. [Online] Available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1896534.pdf (Accessed 2 June 2012) DCLG (Communities and Local Government, The Department for) (2012). Ciitzenship Survey : April 2010 to March 2011. [Online] Available at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/citizenshipsurveyq4201011 (Accessed 8 June 2012) Emsworth (2012). [Online] Available at: http://emsworthonline.co.uk/ (Accessed 20 September 2012) Emsworth Map (2013). [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emsworth (Accessed 23 February 2013) England Map (2013). [Online] Available at: http://england-maps.page.co.uk/ (Accessed 23 February 2013
24
Involve (Institute for Volunteering Research) (2012) Pathways through participation : What creates and sustains active citizenship? (Author not specified) [Online] Available at: http://pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/2011/03/big-society-policy-must-understand-the-importance-of-motivation-and-power/ (Accessed 8 June 2012) Involve, NCVO and Institute for Volunteering Research (2012) Briefing paper 4 : Why participate? [Online] Available at: http://pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Briefing-paper-4-Why-participate.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2012) Involve, NCVO and Institute for Volunteering Research (2011). Pathways Through Participation : Strengthening Participation (Final). [Online] Available at: http://pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Strengthening-participation-final.pdf (Accessed 30 June 2012). Jones K, Doveston M and Rose R 2009. The motivations of mentors: promoting relationships, supporting pupils, engaging with communities. Vol 27. No. 1. p41-51. Article. [Online] Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02643940902733167 (Accessed 9 June 2012) Langhorn, J (2013) What lessons can HR learn from the Olympics in playing leading role in change and transformation? HR & Training Journal. Issue 13. Winter 2012. [Online] Available at: www.publicservice.co.uk (Accessed 27 March 2013) Ledwith M and Springett J (2010). Participatory practice – Community-based action for transformative change. The Policy Press. Bristol. Lewis, J (2013). Women’s History : Margaret Thatcher Quotes. [Online] Available at: www.Womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/m.thatcher.htm (Accessed 8 March 2013) Low N, Butt S, Paine A E, Smith J D (2013) Helping Out: A national survey of volunteering and charitable giving (2006-2007). The National Centre for Social Research and the Institute for Volunteering Research. [Online] Available at: http://www.ivr.org.uk/component/ivr/helping-out-a-national-survey-of- volunteering-and-charitable- giving&qh=YToxMTp7aTowO3M6MTE6Im1vdGl2YXRpb25zIjtpOjE7czo5OiJ tb3RpdmF0ZWQiO2k6MjtzOjk6Im1vdGl2YXRlcyI7aTozO3M6MTA6Im1vdGl 2YXRpb24iO2k6NDtzOjc6Im1vdGl2ZXMiO2k6NTtzOjk6Im1vdGl2YXRvciI7a To2O3M6ODoibW90aXZhdGUiO2k6NztzOjEwOiJtb3RpdmF0aW5nIjtpOjg7c zoxMjoibW90aXZhdGlvbmFsIjtpOjk7czo4OiJiYXJyaWVycyI7aToxMDtzOjc6I mJhcnJpZXIiO30= (Accessed 17 January 2013)
Lutchman, R (2011) Creating and Managing Sustainable Organizations. DEStech Publications Inc. USA. McCabe, A (2013) The Big Society. University of Birmingham. [Online] Available at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/perspective/debate/big-societyMccabe.aspx (Accessed 20 February 2013)
25
McCabe, A (2010). Below the Radar in a Big Society? Reflections on community engagement, empowerment and social action in a changing policy context. Third Sector Research Centre – Working Paper 51. [Online] Available at: http://www.tsrc.ac.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=OMbpEZaAMKI%3d&tabid=500 (Accessed 7 June 2012) National Council for Voluntary Organisations (undated). [Online] Available at: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/research (Accessed 8 April 2012) Orange Rock Corporation (undated). Sponsoring community volunteering. [Online] Available at: www.orangerockcorps.co.uk (Accessed 14 March 2013) Politics.co.uk (2013). Local Government Structure. [Online] Available at http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/local-government-structure (Accessed 17 January 2013) Richardson, L (2008) DIY Community Action – Neighbourhood problems and community self-help. The Policy Press. Bristol. Rochester C, Paine A E, Howlett, S with Zimmeck, M (2010). Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Palgrave Macmillan. Basingstoke. Smith K A, Holmes K, Haski-Levenhal D, Cnaan R A, Handy F and Brudney J L (2010) Motivations and Benefits of Student Volunteering: Comparing Regular, Occasional, and Non-Volunteers in Five Countries. ANSERJ (Canadian Journal of Nonprofit and Social Economy Research). Vol 1, No 1 pages 65-81. ANSERJ. Canada. Stokes P and Knight B (1997). Organising a Civil Society. Working Paper No.2. Birmingham: Foundation for Civil Society. Vickers A, Bavister S and Smith J (2009) Personal Impact – What it takes to make a difference. Pearson Education Limited. Harlow. Warburton D (1998). Community and Sustainable Development: Participation in the Future. Earthscan Publications Ltd. London. Westwood, A (2011). Localism, social capital and the ‘Big Society’. Local Economy Journal: 26(8), p.690-701. Sage Publications. Whitehead, Pauline (2012) A study which aims to identify if there are ‘below the radar’ (‘BTR’) groups or activities in Cranleigh Parish, Surrey, and to assess how their presence may relate to the ability of the community to deliver ‘Big Society’ objectives. Unpublished BA (Hons) Dissertation. University of Gloucestershire. Wong, W (2013) What lessons can HR learn from the Olympics in playing leading role in change and transformation? HR & Training Journal. Issue 13. Winter 2012. [Online] Available at: www.publicservice.co.uk (Accessed 27 March 2013) Yates, B E (2010) Volunteer-Run Museums in Market Towns and Villages Unpublished DPhil, University of Gloucestershire