Volunteer and keep volunteering: a look through TSR

Abstract

Based on Transformative Service Research (TSR), the purpose of this research was to unveil the transformation in volunteer lifecycle, that leads someone to volunteer and keep volunteering after the first volunteer service experience. Eighteen interviews were carried out with volunteers. Results indicate that motives for starting and continuing voluntary work differ from each other; Among various meanings provided by voluntary service experience, the “volunteer’s well-being”, “possibility of feeling useful”, and “gratitude” stand out; The different meanings and emotions attributed to voluntary work help individuals in their self-knowledge, assists in the formation of individuals’ identity, and improves volunteer self-esteem and well-being.