A real challenge to recruit volunteers – these associations show how it's done

In Switzerland, around 39% of people are active members of an association or organisation, as revealed by the Volunteer Monitor 2020. However, many associations and organisations are complaining that it has become difficult to find volunteers.

"Like our society, volunteering has become more individualised, short-term and ad-hoc. People want volunteering assignments that can be undertaken quickly and easily," says Cornelia Hürzeler. She is Topic Leader and Project Manager for Social Affairs at the Social Affairs and Culture division within the Federation of Migros Cooperatives and has been involved in volunteering for many years.

So how can a sufficient number of volunteers be recruited in future? This issue is addressed by a study conducted by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) on behalf of Migros Culture Percentage. It analysed organisations that are successful in their recruitment of volunteers. What they all had in common was a low threshold for participation and the volunteer work could be carried out within a manageable time frame. We spoke to three volunteers and asked them why and how they got involved.

A week of felling trees

"This January, I was given my first assignment with the Mountain Forest Project. I've been aware of the project for some time and think it's a great cause. As I was between jobs, I thought to myself: "This is my chance to finally get involved myself."

It was an intensive, fascinating week. We spent the whole time outdoors. In the morning, we would set off at the break of dawn and didn't come back in the evening until the sun went down. There were 18 of us altogether. During the day, they split us up into teams of three, each with a group leader. Using axes, handsaws and wedges, we manually felled trees that the forester had marked in advance. These were mostly diseased trees or trees depriving others of light and preventing the rejuvenation of the forest.

My father was also on my team. He had just retired when I signed up for the volunteering work, so I asked him if he would like to come with me. We got to know each other again in a totally different way. We also got on really well with the other volunteers. That's what I really like about volunteering: you get to know new people and can make a difference together.

Unlike at work, people volunteer to do something that really matters to them. My commitment is from the heart. The Mountain Forest Project enabled me to make the most of my career break immediately and easily. If this kind of opportunity ever arose again, I would definitely sign up. Although I can't stop climate change through a week of forest management, I've done something that benefits the environment and society."

Information about the project: The Mountain Forest Project is a non-profit foundation based in Trin, canton of Graubünden. Its aim is to maintain the mountain forests and preserve their protective role for us humans. The project relies on support from volunteers to carry out its many tasks. It is easy for volunteers to sign up for one-week assignments via the website. Further information: bergwaldprojekt.ch

Flexible volunteering at sporting events

"As a volunteer, I take part in around 15 sporting events a year, for example, a running event in Lausanne, a basketball tournament or the 'Athletissima' athletics meeting. As a member of the VSL platform, I receive requests to participate and can decide whether or not I'd like to volunteer. I appreciate the fact that these tasks are very flexible and require little effort.

I can usually choose the task I wish to take on. There are numerous options to choose from: I can look after a refreshments stand, direct road traffic, help in the canteen or work as a driver. One aspect of these assignments that I really enjoy is chatting with other volunteers. As I love sport, I can combine being useful with something I enjoy. Ultimately, it's about making a useful contribution. Volunteering is mutually beneficial and many activities could not take place without it."

Information on the project: the 'Volontaires du Sport Lausannois' association is supported by the City of Lausanne's Department of Sports. It has some 400 active volunteers who help out at around 30 sporting events. Anyone aged 16 and over can volunteer (knowledge of French required). Further information: volontairesdusportlausannois.ch

A centre for many ideas

"I organise a senior citizens' café once a week so that older people—and others—are not left on their own. I came up with this idea, as I kept seeing people eating alone in restaurants. That would be inconceivable in Syria, where I come from.

The meetings are held at 'Haus pour Bienne'. Anyone can put forward ideas for volunteering projects here. If the proposal is approved, the person can set up the project themselves and run it for as long as they wish. There is a wide range of projects available: you can take part in German or handicraft courses or even receive legal advice. Everything is free of charge, accessible to all and does not require people to sign up. That's why the centre is always full! As I don't like sitting at home and doing nothing, I also take on the role of day manager. This means that I ensure the smooth running of the centre and keep people informed about current activities."

Information about the project: 'Haus pour Bienne' is an intercultural meeting centre. It is run by the Fair! association, which is committed to a fair and environmentally friendly world. Further information: https://vereinfair.ch/en/haus-pour-bienne/