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What Resources Are Needed for Volunteerism? A Life Course Perspective

University of Pittsburgh

Using secondary data analysis of three waves of data from the Americans’ Changing Lives surveys, this study examines what resources in terms of human, social, and cultural capital are needed in volunteerism and whether there is any age cohort difference in the relationships of volunteerism with human, social, and cultural capital. Interaction terms between age cohort and resources were created and the effects were tested through the generalized estimating equations method. The findings show older cohorts relied more on human capital and social integration to expand volunteer hours and organizational involvement, whereas younger people needed more spiritual and social supports to increase volunteer commitment. These research findings point to the importance of developing resources for lifelong volunteerism. The findings suggest that volunteer organizations should take cohort-specific strategies to recruit and facilitate potential volunteers, especially in the older population, based on the resources needed for volunteering.

Key Words: volunteerism • older volunteers • life course • resources for volunteering

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