In an interesting survey conducted close on the heels of the International Volunteers Day which is marked on December 5, it is found that 61.7 per cent of the volunteering for social causes is taken up by females.
Additionally, almost 7 out of 10 (69 per cent) of the volunteers were found to be located in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
The survey was conducted by leading non-profit organisations — Child Rights and You (CRY) and Grant Thorton Bharat — which involved 5,000 respondents across 107 cities and towns in 22 states and UTs.
It is also found that about 19 per cent of all student respondents stated that there were no volunteering opportunities available.
A press statement issued by the non-profit on December 4 mentioned that this response indicates that 'there is enough scope to design suitable volunteering programme and reach a vast untapped market'.
"The study aims to suggest a strategic and informed approach to volunteer engagement through inviting stakeholders — volunteers, organisations, corporations, policymakers, and the wider community — to engage in a thoughtful discussion about the future of volunteerism in India," a joint statement from CRY and Grant Thornton Bharat stated.
Puja Marwaha, the chief executive at CRY was quoted as saying that the report is more than just an analysis of the current state of volunteering in India — it is a call to action.
"It invites all stakeholders — volunteers, organisations, corporations, policymakers, and the wider community — to engage in a thoughtful discussion about the future of volunteerism in India. By applying the insights and recommendations provided in this study, we can work together to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and impactful volunteering ecosystem," Marwaha was quoted.
"Let this report inspire action, guide informed decision-making, and contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen our society through the power of volunteerism," she added.
It was also found that a significant portion of participants held or were pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
"(This) suggests a well-educated demographic, indicating that volunteering opportunities should be designed to leverage and further develop the sophisticated skillsets of these individuals," the press statement mentioned.
"Among senior volunteers, word-of-mouth from friends and family has been the most preferred medium for discovering volunteering opportunities. Although 10 per cent of the senior volunteers expressed interest in gaining new skills, 46 per cent claimed that they were interested in hybrid modes of volunteering," it added.
The survey also found that a majority of the homemakers were reportedly inclined towards volunteering activities they found out from local trusted sources.
"There has been a willingness to volunteer closer to their homes, which would not require much travel. Most of them had family responsibilities such as taking care of the needs of their children and elders," it stated.
"54 per cent of the working professionals stated that they preferred hybrid mode of volunteering. More than 57 per cent of the respondents in this group preferred volunteering for less than one week; while 26 per cent preferred less than one day, indicating the need of designing tailor-made volunteering programmes to attract the professionals," the statement added.