5 Models of Volunteering
Social Action volunteering is
usually cause driven and in response to specific social or community needs.
This type of volunteering is typified by strong passion, and clearly identified
outcomes, and takes the form of community action, advocacy and campaigning.
Social Action groups are similar to non-formal groups in that people come
together around a shared interest, but differ in that social action groups
have an interest and passion for bringing about defined changes.
These groups may be relatively unstructured like non-formal groups, but
often the need to achieve particular outcomes will drive a level of structure
and specific roles. People may see themselves as comrades rather than
as volunteers. Some groups use a volunteer coordinator, but volunteers
are more likely to work under an activity coordinator in areas of interest
and skill.
Social action groups are often driven by the motivation and interests
of their volunteers, who are frequently passionate about the cause. Volunteers
in social action groups may vary significantly in the amount of time they
have available, but are no less committed in bringing about defined social
changes.
Some examples of social action volunteering include:
- Volunteering for an environmental group
- Political lobbying groups
- Volunteering for a community action group
- Lobbying for change for a specific target group of people or cause
