Volunteer Recruitment & Retention: Integrating Social Participation (SPAN) Programming within the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation
Authors:
Megan Upton, OT/s, Miranda Fox, OTD, OTR/L, & Stephanie Freeman, LICSW, EdM
Abstract:
Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is interested in implementing Social Participation and Navigation (SPAN) programming, a web-based goal setting app that relies on volunteer coaches, however, current CBTF volunteers show little interest. A survey (n=70) was distributed to Tufts University students and working professionals to identify volunteering motivators and barriers and evaluate volunteer interest in SPAN. Qualitative and descriptive analyses identified giving back to the community and interest in the cause facilitated volunteering while substantial time commitment and inconvenient location were barriers. Respondents reported positive aspects of SPAN programming are virtual format, two hour/week time commitment, and 1-on-1 coaching. Results were translated into a recommendation report to better inform volunteer recruitment and retention strategies, CBTF future program implementation, and contribute to general non-profit program sustainability.
Key Words:
volunteerism, social participation, non-profit organization
