volunteerism: a survey of new york aarp members · volunteer to teach or tutor or to perform...

Volunteerism: A Survey Of New York AARP Members

Data Collected by AARP Data Prepared by FGI, Inc.

Report Prepared by Jennifer H. Sauer

Copyright © 2001 AARP

Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW

Washington, D.C., 20049 http://research.aarp.org

Reprinting with Permission Only

http://research.aarp.org

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; advocate on legislative, consumer, and legal issues; assist members to serve their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These benefits include AARP Webplace at www.aarp.org, Modern Maturity and My Generation magazines, and the monthly AARP Bulletin. Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.

Acknowledgements AARP staff from State Member Research, Knowledge Management, and the New York State Office contributed to the design of this study. Special thanks go to Beth Finkel, Gretchen Straw, Darlene Matthews, Rachelle Cummins, Erica Dinger, and Jennifer Leslie. Jennifer H. Sauer, Knowledge Management, was the project manager. For more information, contact Jennifer H. Sauer at (202) 434-6207.

www.aarp.org

A Special Note

It should be noted that this survey was mailed to AARP members in New York during the months of June and July 2001 – prior to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Due to the nature of this survey, Volunteerism, caution and consideration must be taken when reviewing and interpreting the findings and comparing them with other recent surveys on a similar topic. Since September 11, 2001, there has been a heightened interest and/or willingness to volunteer in many sectors of society by persons of all ages.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose of the Survey 1 Methodology 1 New York Members and Volunteerism 2

How Many Members Have Been Asked To Volunteer And How Many Volunteered?

2

Who Asked New York Members To Volunteer? 3 What Is The Affect Of Asking On Volunteering?

3

Detailed Picture Of New York Members Who Volunteer 4

Where Are New York Members Volunteering? 4 What Do New York Members Do As A Volunteer? 5 How Do New York Members Volunteer Their Time? 6 Why Do New York Members Volunteer? 7

A Look At New York Members Who Do Not Volunteer 8

Who Are The New York Members Who Do Not Volunteer? 8 Why Don’t New York Members Volunteer? 8

Do New York Members Want To Volunteer? 10

What Factors Would Motivate Non-Volunteering New York Members To Volunteer?

10

What Topics Interest New York Members Enough To Volunteer?

11

How Do New York Members Want To Learn About

Volunteer Opportunities? 12

New York Members and Organizational Involvement 14

In What Organizations Are New York Members Involved? 14 In What Civic or Political Activities Do New York Members Participate? 14

Future Volunteerism Among New York Members

16 New York Members and Parents’ Volunteerism

17

Does Volunteerism Run In The Family? 17

Summary and Implications 18 Appendix A: Demographics 20 Appendix B: Age Segment Tables 21 Appendix C: Annotated Questionnaire

31

2001 AARP New York Member Survey: Volunteerism 1

Purpose of the Survey Extensive research on volunteerism exists on the national and international level but there is very little research available in this area at the state and community level. This survey explores volunteerism in New York among AARP’s 2,489,000 members. The study profile their current volunteer experience, their motivations for volunteering, their reasons for not volunteering, and their interest in future opportunities to volunteer. Methodology In August 2001, AARP mailed a survey a random sample of 2,000 AARP members in New York selected from AARP’s membership database. Each respondent was contacted four times: they received a pre-notification postcard, the survey itself, a reminder postcard, and a second survey. New York members returned 953 surveys by the cut-off date, for a response rate of 48 percent. The survey has a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percent.1 What You Will Find In This Report The report is organized into five sections:

• Member volunteerism rates • Members who have volunteered in the last 12 months • Members who have not volunteered in the last 12 months • Member interest in volunteer opportunities and future involvement as a volunteer • Participation in other organizations or groups • Familial volunteerism • Summary and implications of findings

Among the topics covered are reasons for volunteering or not volunteering, volunteering interests, volunteer tasks and activities, and member awareness of and interest in volunteering. The report compares New York members by age group (50 to 59, 60 to 74, and 75 and older), gender, income, and employment status where differences are statistically significant. An annotated questionnaire, appended to the report, discloses exact question wording and all responses to the 2001 New York Member Survey. Percentages in the annotated questionnaire may not add up to 100% due to rounding or non-response. Additionally, some questions allow multiple responses (respondents instructed to ‘check all that apply’).

1 This means that in 95 out of 100 samples of this size the results obtained in the sample would fall in a range of plus or minus 3 percentage points of what would have been obtained if every member of New York had been surveyed.


FINDINGS New York Members and Volunteerism How Many Members Have Been Asked To Volunteer And How Many Volunteered? Over one-third of New York members say that in the last 12 months they have received a request (were asked) to volunteer their time for free to a local or national organization, association, civic, or other group. Almost two in five members report they have volunteered their time in the last 12 months.

New York Members And Requests To Volunteer In Last 12 Months

(n=953)

36%

58%

6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Asked tovolunteer

Not asked tovolunteer

No answer

New York Members And Volunteer Rates In Last 12 Months

(n=953)

38%

56%

7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Volunteered inlast 12 months

Have notvolunteered inlast 12 months

No answer

Younger members are more likely than older members to be asked to volunteer and to have volunteered in the last 12 months (see Appendix B, Table 1). Higher income members are more likely than those with annual incomes less than $30,000 to say they have received a request to volunteer (41% vs. 27%) and have volunteered in the last 12 months (44% vs. 28%).


Who Asked New York Members To Volunteer? Half of those New York members who received a request asking them to volunteer say it came from a member or staff person who worked or volunteered at an organization. One third say they were asked to volunteer by someone at church, synagogue, or mosque, and slightly fewer say a friend asked them. About one in five members say a relative asked them to volunteer, and fewer were asked by neighbors, employers, or colleagues at work.

54%

4%

7%

12%

18%

30%

34%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

No Answer

Colleague at work

An employer

A neighbor

Family member/relative

Friend

Someone at church, synagogue, mosque

Member/volunteer at organization

Who Asked New York Members To Volunteer? (base=340)

Among those who say they were asked to volunteer, older members are more likely than those ages 50 to 59 to say they were asked by someone at church, synagogue, or mosque, but less likely than younger members to be asked by a family member (see Appendix B, Table 2). Women are more likely than men to day they were asked to volunteer by someone at church, synagogue, or mosque (40% vs. 25%). What Is The Affect Of Asking On Volunteering? Further analysis indicates a positive relationship between being asked to volunteer and volunteering. Of those members who were asked to volunteer in the last 12 months, 8 in 10 say they have volunteered. Among those New York members who have been asked to volunteer in the last 12 months, those ages 75 and older are significantly less likely than younger members to say they have volunteered (50 to 59: 79%; 60 to 74: 82%; 75 and older: 63%).

Members asked

who did volunteer

79%

Members asked who did not

volunteer17%

No answer5%

Receiving A Request To Volunteer And Volunteering Among New York Members

(base=340)


A Detailed Picture Of New York Members Who Volunteer Where Are New York Members Volunteering? New York members who have volunteered in the last 12 months indicate they volunteer for a vast array of organizations and groups. Well over one-third say they have volunteered for a religious organization in the last 12 months, and almost one in five have volunteered for education-related organizations. Fourteen percent have volunteered for civic organizations, and one in ten have volunteered for art and cultural organizations or disease-related causes. Less than 10 percent have volunteered for each of the remaining types of organizations listed in this survey question.2 One in five members listed ‘other’ organizations or groups in which they have volunteered in the last 12 months (see Appendix B, Table 4 for verbatim responses).

37%

17% 14%10% 10%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

ReligiousOrganizations

EducationalOrganizations

CivicOrganizations

Arts/CultureOrganizations

Disease-relatedCauses

Where New York Members Are Volunteering(base=419)

Members do not differ by age with respect to volunteering for a religious organization, however more women than men indicate they have volunteered for a religious organization in the last 12 months (42% vs. 30%). Volunteering with educational organizations is far more common among younger members (50 to 59: 27%; 60 to 74: 17%; 75 and older: 7%).

2 Percents do not add up to 100% since respondents were instructed to ‘check all that apply’. See question 3 in Annotated survey for complete list of organizations and the proportion of members volunteering in each organization.


What Do New York Members Do As A Volunteer?3 Almost one-third of New York members who have volunteered in the last 12 months participated in fund-raising activities, and roughly one-quarter of members each say they organized events for an organization and made phone calls. Almost one in five members volunteer to teach or tutor or to perform physical labor, and fifteen percent or less volunteer in each of the remaining 14 types of activities or tasks tested in this survey question.

10%

10%

11%

12%

14%

14%

17%

18%

23%

27%

33%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Delivering/Preparing Meals

Management

Clerical

Speaking/Lecturing

Providing Transportation

Companionship

Physical Labor

Teaching/Tutoring/Coaching

Making Phone Calls

Organize Events

Fund-Raising

Volunteer Activities And Tasks Among New York Members That Volunteer

(base=419)

Members ages 50 to 59 are more likely than older members to be engaged in fund raising activities and organizing events, and are particularly more likely than members 75 and older to perform physical labor as a volunteer. Members age 50 through 74 are more likely than older members to teach, tutor, or coach. Table 5 in Appendix B displays the age differences for each activity or task (see Appendix B, Table 6 for ‘other activities and tasks’ verbatim responses).

3 Percents do not add up to 100% since respondents were instructed to ‘check all that apply’. See question 4 in Annotated survey for complete list of tasks and activities and the proportion of members indicating participation in each task and activity.


Other subgroup differences include:

• Men are more likely than women to provide physical labor (28% vs. 9%). • Members with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less

than $30,000 to be engaged in organizing events (31% vs. 20%) and performing physical labor (21% vs. 11%).

• Members who are working participate more than non-working members in organizing events (35% vs. 24%).

How Do New York Members Volunteer Their Time? Of those New York members who have volunteered in the last 12 months, two in five indicate they volunteer occasionally during the year for one-time projects, and one-quarter volunteer a regular amount of time each month as well as extra hours for special projects. One in five spend about the same amount of time volunteering each month.

How New York Members Volunteer Their Time (base=419)

% Volunteer occasionally during the year for special projects

39

Volunteer a regular amount of time each month and extra hours for special projects

23 Usually spend same amount of time volunteering each month

21

No response

17

Younger members ages 50 to 59 are more likely than older members to volunteer occasionally during the year, and those older are more inclined to volunteer the same amount of time each month. Appendix B, Table 7 shows all age differences. Other subgroup differences include:

• Men are more likely than women to volunteer occasionally during the year for special projects (46% vs. 35%) while more women than men specify volunteering the same amount of time each month (26% vs. 16%).

• Members with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 to volunteer on a regular basis as well as help with special projects (28% vs. 15%).

• Members who are currently working are more likely than non-working members to volunteer occasionally during the year for special projects (52% vs. 33%).


Why Do New York Members Volunteer? When asked to think about 11 possible reasons for taking on a volunteer assignment, the top reason among New York members was to ‘help people’, followed by wanting ‘to make their community a better place’, and ‘a personal commitment to a cause’. Forty percent or more of members specify each of these top three reasons for volunteering as very important. Slightly fewer members say they volunteer to ‘make a difference on issues’ important to them, and about one-third express the need to ‘be with people they enjoy’ and ‘work with people who share their ideals’. The following graphic illustrates the reasons members give for volunteering and the proportion of those who rated them as very important.

55%

24%

26%

27%

33%

34%

39%

42%

47%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Learn about an issue or problem

Duty as a citizen

Religious commitment

Work with people who share ideals

Be with people they enjoy

Make a difference on issues

Personal commitment to a cause

Make community better place

Help people

Very Important Reasons Why New York Members Volunteer(base=419)

Younger members are more likely than those ages 75 and older to say most of these reasons for volunteering is very important. See Appendix B, Table 8 for each reason by age segment.


• More women than men view ‘a religious commitment’ as a very important reason to volunteer (32% vs. 22%), but men are more likely than women to say their ‘duty as a citizen’ (32% vs. 23%) is a very important reason for volunteering.

• Members who are currently working are more likely than those not working to cite their ‘personal commitment to a cause’ (51% vs. 37%) and “make a difference” (48% vs. 35%) as very important reasons.

• Members with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 to say that ‘helping people’ (60% vs. 47%) and ‘making a difference’ (45% vs. 32%) are very important reasons to volunteer.


A Look At New York Members Who Do Not Volunteer Who Are The New York Members Who Do Not Volunteer? More than half (56%) of all New York members say they have not volunteered in the last 12 months. Older members are significantly more likely than those ages 60 to 74 to say they have not volunteered in the last 12 months (65% vs. 52%). In addition, more men than women (60% vs. 54%) and more lower income (those with annual incomes less than $30,000 per year) than higher income members (62% vs. 54%) say they have not volunteered in the last 12 months. Members do not differ by work status with respect to not volunteering in the last 12 months. Why Don’t New York Members Volunteer?4 When asked why they have not volunteered in the last 12 months, one-third or more of New York members cite health and disability or a full personal schedule. Another one in five say that no organization contacted them and asked them to volunteer, they were not asked by anyone personally, or they have work commitments. Less than 10 percent cite each of the remaining reasons listed in the survey question, and six percent of members provided ‘other’ reasons for not volunteering in the last 12 months (see Appendix B, Table 10 for verbatim responses).

Members ages 75 and older are more likely than those younger to cite health and disability as a reason for not volunteering in the last 12 months. Members ages 50 through 74 are more likely than those older to say they have not volunteered in the last 12 months because their personal schedule is too full, no organization contacted them and asked them to volunteer, and no one personally asked them to volunteer. “Work commitments”, a leading reason among the younger members, significantly decreases with age (see Appendix B, table 9). 4 Percents do not add up to 100% since respondents were instructed to ‘check all that apply’. See question 2a in Annotated survey for complete list of reasons for not volunteering and the proportion of members indicating each reason.

11%

18%

19%

21%

33%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

No Interest

Work Commitments

No One Asked

No Organization Asked

Personal Schedule Too Full

Health And Disability

Reasons Why New York Members Do Not Volunteer (base=534)


Among the top three reasons for not volunteering, other subgroups differences include:

• Health and disability is more often reported by members with annual incomes of less than $30,000 than those with higher incomes (51% vs. 33%) and by non-working members than working members (54% vs. 15%) as a reason for not volunteering in the last 12 months.

• A full personal schedule is reported more among higher income members than those with annual incomes less than $30,000 (42% vs. 23%) and more among those who are working than not working (57% vs. 20%).

• Members who are working are more likely than those who are not to say that the reason they have not volunteered in the last 12 months is because no organization contacted them (27% vs. 19%).


Do New York Members Want To Volunteer? What Factors Would Motivate New York Members To Volunteer? Among those New York members who express interest in or are not sure about volunteering, a key factor that might motivate them to volunteer in the future is the opportunity to stay active and busy.

34%

42%

34%

33%

15%

23%

29%

29%

29%

31%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

No answer

None are motivating

Opportunity to affect public policy

Work On 50+ Issues

Help Young People

Use Professional Skills

Opportunity For Fun/Socializing

Opportunity To Make A Difference

Develop New Friendships

Help Older People

Stay Active/Busy

Top Motivating Factors To Volunteer Among New York Members (base=599)

Members ages 50 through 74 are significantly more likely than those older to be motivated to volunteer by most of the factors listed in this survey question (see Appendix B, table 11). Members ages 50 to 59 are more likely than those older to be motivated to volunteer by the opportunity to help older people in the community and work on issues that affect people ages 50 and older. Members ages 60 to 74 are significantly more likely than those younger to be motivated to volunteer as a way to stay active and busy. Other significant subgroup differences include:

• Women are more likely than men to be motivated by the opportunities to help older people in the community (40% vs. 29%) and develop new friendships (40% vs. 28%). Men, however, are more likely than women to be motivated to volunteer by the opportunity to use their professional skills (36% vs. 25%).


• Higher income members are more likely than those with annual incomes less than $30,000 to be motivated to volunteer by the opportunities to make a difference (37% vs. 27%), utilize their professional skills (39% vs. 14%), help young people (33% vs. 22%), and affect public policy (28% vs. 16%).

• Members currently not working are significantly more likely than working members to be motivated by the opportunity to stay busy and active (47% vs. 35%). However, more working members than non-working members are motivated by the opportunities to develop new friendships (40% vs. 30%), make a difference (45% vs. 28%), use their professional skills (43% vs. 23%), help young people (39% vs. 22%), and affect public policy (35% vs. 17%).

What Topics Would Interest New York Members Enough To Volunteer?5 Roughly one-quarter or more of New York members say they might be interested enough to volunteer by topics such as education and tutoring, aging issues, and fun and leisure. Slightly fewer members say they are interested in volunteering on topics such as health and fitness, health and disease-related causes, youth issues, and environmental protection. Less than 15 percent of members indicate being interested by each of the remaining seven topics explored in the survey.

20%

20%

21%

22%

24%

25%

29%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Environmental Protection

Youth Services

Health/Disease Causes

Health And Fitness

Fun And Leisure

Aging Services

Education/Tutoring

Topics That Interest New York Members Enough To Volunteer(base=599)

Younger members are more interested than those ages 75 and older by most of the topics listed in this survey question. In particular, those ages 50 to 59 are significantly more likely than those older to be interested in topics such as aging issues, health and disease-related causes, environmental protection, and animal protection. Appendix B, Tables 12 and 13, show all topics by age and ‘other’ responses verbatim. 5 Percents do not add up to 100% since respondents were instructed to ‘check all that apply’. See question 9 in Annotated survey for complete list of topics and the proportion of members indicating motivation by each topic.


With respect to the top seven topics of interest, other subgroup differences include:

• More women than men say they would be interested in topics such as aging issues (30% vs. 20%), health and fitness (26% vs. 18%), and health and disease-related causes (24% vs. 17%).

• Those with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 to express interest in volunteer topics such as education and tutoring (39% vs. 16%), youth issues (27% vs. 12%), and environmental protection (24% vs. 14%).

• Members who are working are more likely than those who are not to be interested in topics such as education and tutoring (42% vs. 22%), health and disease-related causes (25% vs. 18%), youth issues (29% vs. 15%), and environmental protection (27% vs. 16%).

How Do New York Members Want To Learn About Volunteer Opportunities? Of those members who are interested or not sure about volunteering, two in five (43%) would like to learn about volunteer opportunities through a friend, neighbor, or relative. A similar proportion of members would prefer to learn about such opportunities through the mail, and about one-quarter want to learn about volunteer opportunities from their local newspaper or at a meeting where these activities are described. Almost one in five members say they want to learn about volunteer opportunities by way of a phone call from a current volunteer or an announcement on a local TV or radio station.

7%

8%

13%

18%

18%

19%

22%

28%

42%

43%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Organization's Website

Don't Want To Learn

Email

Local Radio Station

Local TV Station

Phone call fromvolunteer

At A Meeting

Newspaper

Mail

Friend/Neighbor/Relative

How New York Members Want To Learn About Volunteer Opportunities

(base=599)


Members ages 50 through 74 are more likely than those older to prefer learning about volunteer opportunities in their community through most of the modes of communication presented in this survey question. In particular, however, members ages 50 to 59 are significantly more likely than those older to prefer learning about these opportunities in the local newspaper, radio station, television station, mail, or an organization’s website. However, members ages 50 through 74 are more likely than older members to prefer learning about such activities from a friend, a neighbor, or relative, or at a meeting where these opportunities are described. More members ages 60 and older than those younger say they prefer to learn about volunteer opportunities by getting a phone call from a volunteer. Members ages 75 and older are significantly more likely than those younger to say they do not want to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community (see Appendix B, Table 14). Other demographic differences include:

• Members with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 per year to say they prefer to learn about volunteer opportunities in their community from a friend, a neighbor, or a relative (47% vs. 38%), in their local newspapers (33% vs. 23%), by email (19% vs. 5%), and on an organization’s website (10% vs. 3%).

• Members who are currently working are more likely than those who are not to want to hear about volunteer opportunities in their community through the mail (50% vs. 39%) and by email (20% vs. 10%).


New York Members and Other Organizational Involvement In What Other Organizations Are New York Members Involved? Overall, New York members report moderate but varied involvement with other organizations or associations. Almost one-third say they are very (12%) or somewhat involved (17%) in religious-affiliated groups, and one-quarter are very (3%) or somewhat involved (22%) in membership associations such as the NRA, AAUW, AARP, or Sierra Club. About one in five are very (4%) or somewhat involved (14%) with a civic association or neighborhood organization. Somewhat fewer members indicate involvement with a gardening or hobby club (very involved: 5%; somewhat involved: 10%) and a professional society or association (very involved: 4%; somewhat involved: 11%) (see Appendix B, Tables 15 and 16). In What Civic Or Political Activities Do New York Members Participate? Most New York members have participated in some kind of civic or political activity in the last five years. Over one-third of all members say they have phoned or written a public official to make their views known, and one-quarter contributed money to a candidate or political party or attended a political event or town meeting. One in eight say they have contacted the media to make their views known on an issue. Finally, two in five members report they have not done any of the activities listed in the last five years. Members ages 50 to 59 are more likely than the oldest segment to say they have contacted the media to make their views known. Members ages 60 to 74 are more likely than the older members to say that in the last five years they have phoned or written a public official to make their views known. Members younger than 75 years of age are more likely than older members to have attended a political event or town meeting. Members ages 75 and older are more likely than younger members to say they have not done any of these activities in the last five years (see Appendix B, table 17).

43%

4%

12%

25%

26%

36%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Have donenone

No answer

Letter to media

Attendedpolitical event

Gave money tocandidate/party

Phoned/wrotepublic official

New York Members ParticipationIn Other Activities

(base=953)



• Men are more likely than women to say they have contributed money to a candidate or political party (31% vs. 23%) or have attended a political event or town meeting (29% vs. 22%).

• Members with higher annual incomes are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 per year to have phoned or written a public official (43% vs. 28%), contributed money to candidate or political party (36% vs. 12%), or attended a political event or town meeting (31% vs. 19%). Lower income members are more likely than their counterparts to say they have done none of these activities in the last five years (55% vs. 35%).

• Members who are currently working are more likely than those who are not to say they have contributed money to a candidate or political party (33% vs. 23%), attended a political event or town meeting (33% vs. 21%), or written to the media to make their views known (16% vs. 11%). Members who are not working are more likely than those who are to say they have done none of these activities (46% vs. 38%).


Future Volunteerism Among New York Members Almost two in five New York members surveyed express interest in volunteering in the next year or so, and one-third say they will be involved as a volunteer in the next five years.

Not Sure17%

Not At All37%

No Answer9%

Very Interested

14%

Somewhat Interested

23%

New York Member Interest In Volunteering In The Next Year

(base=953)

Unsure38%No answer

5%

Not At All Involved

22%

Very Involved

8%

Somewhat Involved

27%

New York Members And Their Involvement As Volunteers In The Next Five Years

(base=953)

Members ages 50 through 74 are more likely than those older to say they are both interested in volunteering in the next year or so and will be involved as a volunteer in their community in the next five years (see Appendix B, Tables 18 and 19). Other subgroup differences include:

• Members with higher incomes are more likely than those with annual incomes less than $30,000 per year to say they are both very interested in volunteering (17% vs. 10%) in the next year or so and will be very involved as a volunteer in the next five years (10% vs. 6%). 6

Current volunteer status is a good indicator of future interest. Of those who have volunteered in the last 12 months, three in five say they would be very (29%) or somewhat interested (32%) in volunteering in the next year or so, and two-thirds say they will be very (17%) or somewhat involved (49%) as a volunteer in the next five years. Among those who have not volunteered in the last 12 months, about one in five show interest in volunteering in the next year or so (very interested: 4%; somewhat interested: 17%), and 16 percent say they will be involved as a volunteer in the next five years (very involved: 2%; somewhat involved: 14%).

6 From experience we know that a response of very interested or very involved is a more reliable indicator of a respondent’s intent. See questions 7 and 11 in Annotated Questionnaire in Appendix C and Tables 18 and 19 in Appendix B for the proportion of members who are somewhat interested and will be somewhat involved in future volunteering.


New York Members and Parents’ Volunteerism Does Volunteerism Run In The Family? When asked to recall whether or not their parents did any kind of volunteer work in their own communities, almost one in five (17%) say both of their parents volunteered. Thirteen percent say only their mother volunteered, and only 6 percent say their father volunteered in his community. Two in five (42%) say that neither parent was a volunteer, and one in five (18%) say they are not sure about their parents’ volunteer efforts. Demographic differences include:

• Members ages 75 and older are substantially less likely than those younger to say both parents or just their mother volunteered, and far more likely than younger members to say they are not sure about their parents’ volunteer efforts (see Appendix B, table 20).

• Members with higher annual incomes and members who are working are more likely than those with incomes less than $30,000 per year (23% vs. 9%) and non-working members (22% vs. 14%) to say that both parents volunteered in their own communities.

Of those New York members who say their parents volunteered in the last 12 months, over half are currently volunteers. Conversely, of those members who say that neither parent did any volunteer work in their own community, only 30 percent have volunteered in the last 12 months.

Volunteer Efforts Of Members’ Parents By Members Who Have And Have Not Volunteered In Last 12 Months

New York Members and Volunteerism

Total % (n=953)

One or Both Parents

Volunteered (n=342)

Neither Parents

Volunteered (n=406)

Not sure

(n=168)

No

answer (n=168)

Members who have volunteered in last 12 months

38%

53%

30%

15%

1%

Members who have not volunteered in last 12 months

56%

26%

51%

18%

5%

No answer

7%

23%

40%

27%

10%


Summary and Implications Fourteen percent of New York members indicate they would be very interested in volunteering in the next year or so. Projected to the entire membership in New York, this translates into approximately 348,452 members who are very interested in volunteering in the next year or so. Recruitment efforts could be targeted toward younger members as they report the highest levels of certainty about volunteering in the next year or so, and also indicate definite involvement as a volunteer in the next five years. The survey identifies factors and topics that may motivate members to volunteer. Of those members who say they would be interested in or are not sure about volunteering, many would be motivated to volunteer by the opportunity to stay active and busy, as well as help older people, meet new people, make a difference, and have fun. Education or tutoring, aging services and issues, and fun and leisure are interesting topics for at least twenty-five percent of members. Organizations may want to create recruitment strategies that recognize the different, as well as the similar, interests and motivations of men and women, younger and older members, and members who are working and those who are not. Another important consideration with respect to member interests, and quite possibly motivations to volunteer or continue volunteering, is member participation in other organizations and activities other than volunteering. New York members show moderate and varied involvement in organizations and associations as members or participants, but show notable participation in civic and political activities such as phoning or writing to a public official to make their views known, giving money to a political candidate, and attending a political event. Many members have participated in at least one of these activities. Besides offering a supplementary explanation for why members cannot volunteer, their participation in other organizations or groups or activities may provide additional ideas for volunteer opportunities. The survey also reveals what organizations in New York could emphasize in their requests for volunteers. Helping people see how their volunteer efforts can help people, make a community better, and address a personal commitment may be an important recruitment tool as well as a way to retain current volunteers. Both existing and new volunteers may use these reasons in their own evaluation of various volunteer opportunities. Additionally, recruitment could be enhanced not only through the emphasis of the request but by the act of requesting. Having current volunteers of various organizations ask members to volunteer could enhance volunteerism among New York members. Receiving a request to volunteer (being asked) is significantly related to volunteering, and receiving that request from a member or volunteer of an organization may prove to be a highly effective way in which to recruit members to volunteer for an organization. Seventy-nine percent of those New York members who received a request to volunteer in


the last 12 months also volunteered, and one-half of those volunteering members say they were asked by a member or volunteer of an organization. One’s church, synagogue, or mosque, and friends are also top noted requestors for volunteer support. Another channel for recruiting volunteers is through family connections. Recruitment efforts could be expanded to consider members’ family volunteerism. Among those members who have volunteered in the last 12 months, half say that one or both of their parents also volunteered in their own communities. Potential volunteers (and members) for AARP could quite possibly include members’ adult children, spouses, or siblings. Furthermore, the survey instructs organizations in New York about how to structure volunteer opportunities. Organizations may want to create more sporadic and special project-oriented volunteer opportunities and tailor them to certain age segments. Providing volunteer opportunities on an occasional basis and for special projects are appealing to New York members, particularly for younger members and those who are working. However, those older, between the ages of 60 and 74, and those with higher incomes are more likely to volunteer on a more regular basis as well as for special projects. Designing volunteer opportunities with respect to how members have volunteered their time in the last 12 months may also address the major reasons one-half of New York members gave for not volunteering recently: health and disability, full personal schedule, and work commitments.


Appendix A

Demographics

19%

20%

56%

31%

26%

35%

34%

60%

34%

53%

48%

47%

26%

42%

25%

2%

9%

86%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Other

Widowed

Married

Marital Status_______

College grad+

Some college

High School or less

Education__________

Working

Not Working

Employment________

Less than 30K

30K+

Income____________

Male

Female

Gender____________

50-59

60-74

75+

Age_______________

Asian/Pacific Islander/Native American

Black or African American

White or Caucasian

Race______________


Appendix B

Table 1 New York Members Asked To Volunteer and Volunteered In Last 12 Months

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Members Asked/Volunteered (n=953) (n=252) (n=398) (n=240) Members who have been asked to volunteer in last 12 months

36%

40% a

40%

25%

Members who have volunteered in last 12 months

38%

40%

43%

25%

a A bold number means that the age segment is significantly different from another.

Table 2 Who Asked New York Members To Volunteer?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Who Asked (n=340) (n=101) (n=159) (n=59)* A member or staff person working or volunteering at an organization

54%

51%

59%

53%

Someone at church, synagogue, or mosque 34 24 33 42 a A friend 30 35 30 22 A family member or other relative 18 18 21 9 A neighbor 12 16 11 10 Colleague at work 7 18 3 - Employer 7 17 3 - No answer 4 5 3 2

a A bold number means that the age segment is significantly different from another. *Caution must be used when generalizing about the 75+ age group in this question due the small base.


Table 3 Where Are New York Members Volunteering?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Type Of Organization (n=419) (n=108) (n=191) (n=84)* Religious-affiliated organization 37% 30% 40% 38% School, education, tutoring 17 27 a 17 7 Civic organizations 14 18 13 11 Arts, culture, humanties organizations 10 8 13 5 Disease-related causes 10 14 9 8 Youth recreation and programs 9 18 8 4 Public/society benefits 8 8 7 12 Fraternal organizations 8 14 7 4 Health centers/hospitals 8 5 9 8 Work-related organizations 7 15 4 6 Neighborhood action groups 7 11 7 2 Long-term care/nursing homes 7 7 8 4 Community centers 6 7 4 7 Foundations 5 9 5 - Adult recreation and programs 5 5 5 5 Environmental groups 4 8 4 1 Protect/welfare of animals 3 4 3 2 Businesses or for-profits 2 4 2 - No Answer 12 2 8 21


Table 4 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OR GROUPS

(Verbatim)

Care-giving 2% Anti-violence organization <1% AFL-CIO <1% Library 1% Community nursing <1% Adult sports – Hall of Fame <1% Volunteer fire department/ladies auxiliary

1% College alumni events Blood drive

<1% <1%

Social club Literacy

<1% <1%

Museums 1% Girl Scouts <1% Kiwanis club <1% Food shuttle/meals on wheels 1% Mental health clinic <1% Animal rights <1% Apartment/condo board 1% Sport club <1% Veterans <1% Gay/Lesbian 1% Special Olympics <1% Bay Association <1% Hospice 1% Mediation center <1% Medic <1% Professional Society <1% Preparing taxes for seniors <1% Elder Hostels <1% 12 Step program <1% Radio/TV <1% Soup kitchen <1% Computer club <1% UNICEF <1% National park service <1% Foreign exchange student representative

<1% County air show Non-profit/ FOOD SENSE

<1% <1%

AARP 50 Alive driver <1% Driving people places <1% Town Planning Board <1% LPGA <1% Habitat for Humanity <1% Day care center <1%


Table 5

What Do New York Members Do As A Volunteer? 7 By Age

Percent Of Members by Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Type Of Activity Or Task (n=419) (n=108) (n=191) (n=84)* Fund-raising 33% 41% a 34% 23% Organizing events 27 37 28 19 Making phone calls 23 27 22 23 Teaching, tutoring, coaching 18 22 21 10 Physical labor 17 25 17 12 Companionship, visiting 14 11 16 17 Driving, providing transportation 14 11 16 16 Speaking, lecturing, staffing exhibits 12 18 12 7 Clerical 11 10 12 13 Management 10 13 13 5 Delivering, preparing, serving meals 10 12 11 5 Writing, publication work 9 16 9 5 Elder-care 7 7 7 7 Other financial work 7 10 5 7 Child-care 6 8 8 2 Housekeeping/laundry/errands 6 6 9 - Financial counseling 4 5 6 1 Personal hygienic assistance 2 4 3 - Health care, nurse’s aid 2 2 2 1 No answer 11 4 5 23


7 Percents do not add up to 100% since respondents were instructed to ‘check all that apply’. See question 4 in annotated questionnaire.


Table 6 OTHER ACTIVITIES OR TASKS

(Verbatim)

Religious/church 2% Door-to-door <1% Entertaining <1% Museum staff/docent 1% Knitting <1% Caring for neighbors <1% Mailings 1% Recruiting <1% Coaching youth sports <1% Hospital coffee/gift shop 1% Computer setups <1% Garden restorations <1% Musician 1% Preparing taxes for seniors <1% Outreach program <1% Food pantry 1% Hostess <1% Professional services <1% Lobbying 1% Recreational soccer coach <1% Fire department <1% Community Library 1% Race timer <1% Animal rescue <1% Political 1% Marshall at LPGA <1% Mediation 1% Inspecting <1% Consultant 1% Nursing home visitation <1% Women’s health <1% Convenience store <1% Advice <1% Publishing student manuscripts <1%

Table 7 How Do New York Members Volunteer Their Time?

By Age

Percent Of Members by Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Type Of Volunteer Time (n=419) (n=108) (n=191) (n=84)* Volunteer occasionally during the year for special projects

39%

55% a

35%

30%

Volunteer a regular time each month, as well as extra hours for special projects

23

24

27

17

Usually spend about the same amount of time volunteering each month

21

11

26

26



Table 8

Why Do New York Members Volunteer? By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Very Important Reason Total 50-59 60-74 75+ For Volunteering (n=419) (n=108) (n=191) (n=84)* Wanted to help people 55% 64% a 59% 42% Wanted to make community better place 47 51 53 38 Personal commitment to a cause 45 52 45 29 Opportunity to make a difference 39 49 44 23 Wanted to be with people they enjoy 34 43 32 29 Wanted to work with people who share my ideals

33 44 33 26

Because of a religious commitment 27 18 33 29 Felt is was duty as a citizen 26 34 24 25 Wanted to learn about issue or problem 24 28 26 19 Did not want to say no to person who asked them to volunteer

10 14 11 6

Wanted to further job or career 2 6 1 1 a A bold number means that the age segment is significantly different from another. *Caution must be used when generalizing about the 75+ age group in this question due the small base.

Table 9 Why Don’t New York Members Volunteer?

By Age

Percent Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Reason For Not Volunteering (n=534) (n=144) (n=207) (n=156) Health or disability 40% 28% 33% 62% a Personal schedule too full 33 47 37 18 No organization contacted me 21 24 28 12 No one I know personally asked me 19 23 23 10 Work commitments 18 35 19 4 No interest 11 11 10 9 Do not have transportation 8 3 7 13 My skills don’t match organizations needs 4 1 6 3 People should be paid for their work 2 1 3 1 No answer 11 11 11 8



Table 10

OTHER REASONS FOR NOT VOLUNTEERING (VERBATIM)

Family member illness 2% Travel <1% Too old 2% Language barrier <1% Lack initiative/motivation <1% Recently moved to area <1% 24-hour caregiver <1% I need to earn money <1% Volunteered a lot in the past <1% Need time for myself <1% Would lose unemployment benefits <1% Caring for elderly family member <1%

Table 11 What Factors Would Motivate New York Members to Volunteer?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Motivating Topic (n=599) (n=173) (n=264) (n=117) A way to stay active and busy 42% 36% 47% a 41% Opportunity to help older people 34 43 33 26 Possibility of developing new friendships 34 45 35 19 Opportunity to make a difference 33 45 33 22 Opportunity for fun and socializing 31 42 33 17 Opportunity to use professional and leadership skills

29 39 33 15

Opportunity to help young people 29 43 29 11 Opportunity to work on issues affecting people ages 50 and older

29 37 27 26

Opportunity to affect public policy 23 34 23 12 None of these factors motivate me 7 4 5 12 No answer 15 7 12 26



Table 12 What Topics Would Interest New York Members Enough to Volunteer?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Topic (n=599) (n=173) (n=264) (n=117) Education, Tutoring, Coaching 29% 37% a 34% 12% Aging services, programs, issues 25 30 25 20 Fun/leisure/recreation 24 30 25 15 Health and Fitness 22 24 23 17 Health and disease-related causes 21 28 19 16 Youth services, programs, and issues 20 33 18 9 Environmental protection/conservation 20 27 20 13 Consumer fraud 15 16 17 9 Animal protection and welfare 14 21 12 9 Grief and loss issues 12 16 11 9 Political campaigns 11 13 14 6 Financial planning, information 11 14 13 6 Legal issues 11 13 13 7 Low-income assistance programs 10 15 10 3 None of these topics would interest me 7 5 6 10 No answer 18 9 14 34


Table 13 OTHER TOPICS

(VERBATIM)

Cultural/the arts 1% Urban design issues <1% Religious/church activities 1% Dispute resolution <1% Gay/Lesbian/Transgender aging issues 1% Veterans organization <1% Town issues <1% Tax preparation <1% Firefighting <1% Pro-life <1% Helping disabled <1% Discrimination issues <1% Historic preservation <1% ESL <1% Better government <1% Musical services <1% Working with infants in hospital <1% Public Policy <1% Death penalty <1% Fund raising <1% Gun safety <1% Elderly parents <1% Knitting <1% Driving patients <1% Liturgical music <1% Health care <1% Flower arranging <1% Health care/caring for sick spouse <1% Sporting events <1% Hospitalized veterans <1% LPGA <1%


Table 14 How Do New York Members Want To Learn

About Volunteer Opportunities? By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Learn About Volunteering By: (n=599) (n=173) (n=264) (n=117) From a friend/neighbor/relative 43% 49% a 49% 24% Mail 42 55 41 30 Announcement in local newspaper 28 38 26 20 At meeting where programs are discussed 22 25 23 14 Phone call from a volunteer 19 12 22 22 Announcement on local TV station 18 23 17 14 Announcement on local radio 14 21 13 11 Email 13 25 10 2 Do not want to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community

7 5 5 12

Announcement on organization website 7 13 4 3 No answer 16 8 13 31


Table 15 In What Other Organizations Are Members Very Involved?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Organization: (n=953) (n=252) (n=298) (n=240) Religiously affiliated groups 12% 11% 16% a 9% Gardening or other hobby club 5 7 6 4 Civic association/neighborhood organization 4 6 5 3 Professional society or association 4 7 4 2 Service clubs such as Kiwanis, Elks, Jr. League 3 4 3 1 Membership associations such as NRA, AARP 3 1 4 2 Veterans group 3 2 3 3 Sports teams 2 4 2 <1 Political organization 2 2 2 3 Voluntary organizations such as Red Cross 2 2 3 1 College or high school alumni association 2 2 2 2 School Group such as PTA 2 4 2 <1 Labor union 2 4 2 - Specific nationality or ethnic organization 2 2 2 1 No answer 58 60 53 58



Table 16

OTHER GROUPS OR ORGANIZATIONS (VERBATIM)

Animal rights 3% Hospital Foundation 1% Elder Hostels 1% Historical Society 2% Flower shop arrangements 1% 12 step program 1% Marina/Yacht club 2% Knights of Columbus 1% Daycare provider 1% Home Owners Association 2% Not-for-profit housing 1% Music 1% Theater and Arts 2% United Way 1% Am. Diabetes Assoc. 1% Foreign Exchange Student program 2% Pre-school day care 1% Volunteer Fire Department 2% Local library 1% American Cancer Society 2% Mental health 1% Antique Auto Club 2% Special Olympics 1% Elder care 1% Chow volunteer 1% GRASP 1% Museum 1% National Ski Patrol 1% Rebekah Lodge 1% Youth Leadership Group 1% UNICEF 1% AA 1% Women’s Investment club 1% Fishing/Crabbing 1% Support Group 1% Concert & Marching band 1% Fire Auxiliary 1% Park commission 1% Driving 1%

Table 17

In What Other Civic or Political Activities Have New York Members Participated In Last Five Years?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Activity: (n=953) (n=252) (n=398) (n=240) Phoned or written public official 36% 36 41 a 29 Contributed money to political candidate/party 26 29 28 23 Attended political event/meeting 25 32 27 18 Written letter to media to make views known 12 16 12 8 Written campaign for political candidate* 12 16 12 8 Have done none of these 43 40 39 51 No answer 4 2 1 7

a A bold number means that the age segment is significantly different from another. * Item should have read, ‘Worked on campaign for particular candidate or political party’. A typeset error occurred and overlooked before survey was printed and mailed. Responses to this item may be disregarded.


Table 18 Are New York Members Interested In Volunteering

In The Next Year Or So? By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Level Of Interest (n=953) (n=252) (n=398) (n=240) Very interested 14% 15% a 18% 6% Somewhat interested 23 32 24 13 Not at all interested 37 31 34 51 Not sure 17 17 17 16 No answer 9 5 7 13


Table 19

Will New York Members Involved In Volunteering In The Next Five Years?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Level Of Involvement (n=953) (n=252) (n=398) (n=240) Very Involved 8% 10% a 11% 3% Somewhat Involved 27 36 29 15 Not At All Involved 22 13 16 41 Unsure/Don’t know 38 39 42 31 No Answer 5 2 3 10


Table 20 Does Volunteerism Run In The Family?

By Age

Percent Of Members By Age Total 50-59 60-74 75+ Parents: (n=953) (n=252) (n=398) (n=240) Yes, both my mother and my father 17% 24% a 18% 10% Yes, my mother only 13 18 14 9 Yes, my father only 6 5 7 5 No, neither 43 39 43 45 Not sure 18 14 17 23 No answer 4 1 1 8



Appendix C

Annotated Questionnaire


2001 AARP New York Member Survey AARP MEMBERS = 953, RESPONSE RATE = 48% SAMPLING ERROR = 3.17% (Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding or multiple responses. A “*” means less than 1%) 1. Volunteering is help you provide for free on a one-to-one basis to someone in need or to local or

national organizations such as charities, schools, hospitals, religious organizations, associations, civic, or other groups.

In the last 12 months, have you been asked to volunteer your time? (base=953)

36% Yes 58% No (GO TO Question 2)

6% No Response 2. Have you volunteered any of your time in the last 12 months?(base=953) 38%Yes (GO TO Question 3)

56% No 7% No Response

1a. (IF YES): Who asked you to volunteer? (Base= 340) Check ALL that apply, THEN GO TO Question 2 %

54 A member or staff person working or volunteering at an organization 30 A friend 34 Someone at church, synagogue, or mosque 18 A family member or other relative 12 A neighbor 7 Employer 7 Colleague at work 4 No Response

2a. (IF NO): Why not? (Base=534) Check ALL that apply, THEN SKIP to Question 7 %

40 Health or disability 33 Personal schedule too full 11 No interest 21 No organization contacted me and asked to volunteer 19 No one I know personally asked me 18 Work commitments 8 Don’t have transportation 4 My skills don’t match organization’s needs 2 People should be paid for their work 6 Other: (specify) _____________________

22 No Response


PLEASE REMEMBER: If you answered NO to Question 2, THEN SKIP to Question 7 3. What kind of organization(s) did you volunteer your time for in the past 12 months?

Check ALL that apply (Base = 419) % % 10 Arts, culture, humanities 17 School, education, tutoring 5 Foundations 3 Protect/welfare of animals 14 Civic organizations 8 Public/society benefits 8 Fraternal organizations 5 Adult recreation and programs 2 Businesses or for-profits 37 Religious organizations 6 Community centers 7 Work-related organizations 10 Disease-related causes 9 Youth recreation and programs 4 Environmental groups 8 Health centers/hospitals 7 Neighborhood action groups 14 Other (specify):__________________ 7 Long-term care/nursing homes 12 No Response

4. What activities or tasks have you engaged in as a volunteer?

Check ALL that apply(Base = 419) % % 27 Organizing events 14 Companionship, visiting 4 Financial counseling 6 Child-care 33 Fund-raising 2 Health care, nurse’s aide

7 Other financial work 18 Teaching, tutoring, coaching 23 Making telephone calls 9 Writing, publication work 14 Driving, providing transportation 12 Speaking, lecturing, staffing exhibits 10 Delivering, preparing, 10 Management

serving meals 17 Physical labor 7 Elder-care 11 Clerical

2 Personal hygienic assistance 9 Other (specify): __________________ 6 Housekeeping, laundry, errands 13 No Response 2 Religious/church 5. Which one of the following three statements best describes your activities in your volunteer position(s)? (base=419) %

39 I volunteer occasionally during the year for special projects 21 I usually spend about the same amount of time volunteering each month 23 I volunteer a regular amount of time each month, as well as extra for special projects

17 No Response 6. Please think about the last time you decided to volunteer. Circle the number that reflects how important each of the following reasons were in your decision to volunteer.


Please READ EACH statement and CIRCLE your response to each (Base = 419)

Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not at all Important

No Response

a. I wanted to learn about the issue or problem

24% 22% 23% 31%

b. I wanted to work with people who share my ideals

33% 24% 14% 28%

c. I felt it was my duty as a citizen 26% 25% 22% 28%

d. Because of a religious commitment

27% 11% 35% 26%

e. The opportunity to make a difference on issues that are important to me

39% 20% 13% 28%

f. I wanted to further my job or career

2% 6% 57% 35%

g. I wanted to be with people I enjoy

34% 30% 13% 23%

h. I have a personal commitment to a cause or belief

42% 20% 11% 27%

i. I did not want to say no to the person who asked me to volunteer

10% 19% 40% 32%

j. I wanted to help people

55% 23% 4% 19%

k. I wanted to make my community a better place 47% 23% 7% 23%

7. How interested would you be in doing any kind of volunteer work in the next year or so?

(base=953) % 14 Very interested 23 Somewhat interested 37 Not at all interested SKIP TO Question 11 17 Not sure 9 No Response

8. Volunteers organize many programs and activities as well as help people on a one-to-one

basis. Which of the following factors might motivate you enough to be involved as a volunteer in your own community? (base=599)


Check ALL that apply % 29 Opportunity to work on issues that affect people ages 50 and older 34 Possibility of developing new friendships 31 Opportunity for fun and socializing 23 Opportunity to affect public policy 34 Opportunity to help older people in the community 29 Opportunity to use my professional and leadership skills 33 Opportunity to make a difference on issues that are important to me 29 Opportunity to help young people in the community 42 A way to stay active/busy 7 None of these factors motivate me 15 No Response

9. Which of the following topics might interest you enough to be involved as a volunteer in your

community? (base=599) Check ALL that apply

% % 29 Education, tutoring, coaching 21 Health and disease-related causes 10 Low-income assistance programs 12 Grief and loss issues 15 Consumer fraud 11 Political campaigns 22 Health and fitness 20 Environmental protection/conservation 25 Aging services, programs, and issues 14 Animal protection and welfare 24 Fun/leisure/recreation 20 Youth services, programs, and issues 11 Legal issues 8 Other (specify): ____________________ 11 Financial planning, information 7 None of these topics would interest me

18 No Response

10. How would you prefer to learn about volunteer opportunities in your community? Check ALL that apply (Base = 599)

% 19 Phone call from a volunteer

43 From a friend, a neighbor, or a relative 42 Mail

13 Email 7 Announcement on an organization’s website

28 Announcement in local newspaper 18 Announcement on local TV station 14 Announcement on local radio station 22 At a meeting where various community programs and activities are described 7 I do not want to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community

16 No Response


11. Thinking about the next 5 years, how involved will you be in your community as a volunteer for an organization or on a one-to-one basis? (base=953)

% 8 Very involved

27 Somewhat involved 22 Not at all involved 38 Unsure/Don’t know

5 No Response 12. Did either or both of your parents ever volunteer their time for an organization, group, or on a one-

to-one basis in their community? (base=953)

Check ONE only %

17 Yes, both my mother and my father 13 Yes, my mother only 6 Yes, my father only 43 No, neither 18 Not sure

4 No Response 13. Which of the following activities have you participated in within the last 5 years? (base=953) Check ALL that apply

% 36 Phoned or written to a public official to make your views known on an issue

26 Contributed money to a candidate or political party 2 Written a campaign for a particular candidate or party 12 Written a letter to a newspaper or called radio or TV show to make your views

known on an issue 25 Attended a political event or town meeting 43 I have done NONE of these activities in the last 5 years 4 No Response 14. In the last 12 months, how involved have you been as a member or participant in any of the following types of groups or organizations? Have you been VERY involved, SOMEWHAT involved, or NOT at all involved? (base=953)


Please READ EACH statement and CIRCLE your response to each

Very Involved

Somewhat Involved

Not at all Involved

No Response

a. Service club such as Kiwanis, Elks, or Junior League

3% 4% 70% 23%

b. Membership associations such as NRA, AAUW, AARP, or Sierra Club

3% 22% 57% 19%

c. College or high school alumni association 2% 10% 65% 23%

d. Civic association/neighborhood organization 4% 14% 59% 23%

e. School group such as the PTA 2% 4% 69% 25%

f. Professional society or association 4% 11% 61% 25%

g. Voluntary association such as the Red Cross or Habitat For Humanity

2% 7% 66% 25%

h. Religiously-affiliated groups 12% 17% 50% 20%

i. Political organization 2% 9% 65% 24%

j. Veteran’s group 3% 10% 65% 23% k. Labor union 2% 8% 67% 24% l. Sports team 2% 5% 68% 25%

m. Gardening or other hobby club 5% 10% 61% 24% n. Specific nationality/ethnic group 2% 4% 68% 27% o. Other: (specify) 4% 2% 7% 88%

About You The following questions are for classification purposes only and will be kept entirely confidential. 15. In the last 12 months, have you attended a local AARP Chapter meeting? 3% Yes 92% No 5% Don’t know - No Response 16. In the last 12 months, have you attended a local Retired Teachers Association meeting? 3% Yes 91% No * Don’t know 6% No Response 17. Are you male or female? 48% Male 47% Female 5% No Response 18. What is your age as of your last birthday? ________ (in years)

% 26 50-59 42 60-74 25 75+ 6 No Response


19. What is your current marital status?

% 56 Now married 20 Widowed 11 Divorced 1 Separated 7 Never married 5 No Response

20. What is the highest level of education that you completed?

% 7 Less than high school 28 High school graduate or equivalent 26 Some college or technical training beyond high school 13 College graduate (4 years) 17 Post-graduate or professional degree 8 No Response

21. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

% 23 Employed or self-employed full-time 11 Employed or self-employed part-time 54 Retired and not working 4 Other such as homemaker 2 Unemployed and looking for work 7 No Response

22. Have you ever retired? 61% Yes 33% No 6% Don’t Know - No Response 23. Do you have access to a personal computer at home, at work, or some other place? 51% Yes 46% No 1% Don’t Know 3% No Response

23a. (If YES): Do you have access to the Internet or World Wide Web or the ability to use on-line services such as America On-Line (AOL)? (Base = 484) 91% Yes 7% No 1% Don’t Know 1% No Response

24. Are you Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino? 2% Yes 91% No 1% Don’t know 6% No Response


25. What is your race?

% 86 White or Caucasian 9 Black or African American 1 Asian 1 Native American or Alaskan Native - Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 4 No Response

26. What is your 5-digit zip code? (WRITE IN YOUR ZIP CODE.) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 27. What was your annual household income before taxes in 2000?

% 7 Less than $10,000 13 $10,000 to $19,999 15 $20,000 to $29,999 11 $30,000 to $39,999 9 17

$40,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999

16 $75,000 or more 13 No Response

Thank you for completing this survey. Please use the postage-paid envelope and return it by August 28, 2001 to the Research Group/State Surveys, AARP, 601 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049.

AARP

Knowledge Management For More Information Contact Jennifer Sauer (202) 434-6207

volunteerism: a survey of new york aarp members · volunteer to teach or tutor or to perform...

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