What Motivates Citizens to Volunteer in Schools? Determinants in the Local Context

Abstract

Volunteers play a vital role in helping local schools accomplish their goals and missions. Yet, little is known about the determinants of volunteering in local schools. This study expects that community factors, citizens’ concerns, and personal characteristics are possible determinants of general and school volunteering. Utilizing a 2007 survey from a local county, this study finds that citizens receiving public assistance or having higher satisfaction with their local community are more likely to volunteer in any type of organizations. Moreover, having children under the age of 18, concerns about the availability of affordable child care, and working in the education sector are positively related to school volunteering. Implications for research and practice are addressed.