Volunteer Survey Summary Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Volunteer survey summary Report

Judy Olmstead

Thank you to all retired RTAM members who completed a survey and congratulations on being such dedicated volunteers. The results are exciting! Prairie Research Associates has compiled the results and prepared a very comprehensive report. With the large number of surveys completed, the results are highly reliable. This is a summary of their findings.

The majority (82%) of the 1,476 RTAM members surveyed report having volunteered in the past 12 months. On average, ongoing volunteers spend about 42 hours monthly, or over 500 hours annually, volunteering. Most demographic subgroups are equally likely to volunteer, regardless of gender, age, or number of years retired.

RTAM members engaged in at least 32 types of volunteer activities over the past 12 months, most commonly sitting as a board or committee member (52%), and organizing or supervising events (49%). About one-third have been involved in educating, canvassing/campaigning/fundraising, or personal support. (Note-totals sum to more than 100% since respondents could provide more than one answer.)

The vast majority (96%) of RTAM member volunteers have volunteered in the past year in an ongoing capacity. The most common areas of focus for ongoing volunteers include community organizations and events, education and religion. As they participate in their volunteer activities, they touch the lives of people in all age groups from children to seniors, and make a phenomenal contribution to the well-being and sustainability of communities. As one respondent noted, “People who volunteer are the fabric that keeps our rural communities strong!” Another stated, “I reside in rural Manitoba. Volunteers are the heartbeat of my community.”

Overall, 33% of RTAM members have volunteered on a one event basis in the past 12 months. On average, those who volunteer at one event activities, devote 53 hours annually volunteering. The most common one event volunteer activity is canvassing, campaigning or fundraising. Additionally, about 1 in 4 volunteers engage in sports and community and church activities.

While the economic impact of these volunteer hours is huge, there are also personal benefits to the individual. As one respondent said, “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had! You get such a good feeling knowing you’ve helped.” Another responded, “ I believe that volunteering keeps me younger and active.”

Even among those who have not volunteered in the past year, 41% have volunteered at some point since retiring and about half intend on volunteering in the future. The most common reason for not volunteering is pursuing other interests, followed by health problems.

The survey showed that retired teachers enjoy volunteering and do so in great numbers to the benefit of society. “Without volunteering the world would be a much poorer place,” said one volunteer. “We do not live in isolation. We are part of a whole and we can make the whole better with our involvement.” Another commented “I consider volunteering to be the rent we pay for occupying space on this earth!”

The entire PRA report is available on RTAM’s website at rtam.mb.ca