Organizational sustainability and volunteer engagement

Abstract

This research project sought to understand how a sustainable environment supporting full engagement of volunteers could be developed by examining the question: How can the program leaders at Youth Unlimited North York (YUNY) develop a sustainable environment that promotes full engagement of their ministry volunteers? Action research and action inquiry methodologies guided the research process and data were gathered using an interview matrix and conversation café. The research participants were YUNY's program leaders who lead youth skills and development programs. The study found that sustainable environments supporting fully engaged volunteers included inclusivity and appreciation of volunteers, open communication, increased learning, a well-managed recruitment system, and growth through expansion of current boundaries. Prayer was identified as a metatheme and accountability as missing data. The four recommendations are to strengthen volunteer recruitment support structure, increase capacity of staff and volunteers through learning, investigate improved volunteer care related accountability, and investigate expanded community boundaries.