Date Available
8-20-2014
Year of Publication
2011
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
College
Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
Abstract
The Lexington Humane Society depends substantially on volunteer labor yet suffers from a high volunteer attrition rate. Using data from the organization’s database and a survey of volunteers, this project paints a demographic picture of the volunteer population and identifies traits that affect volunteer longevity.
The evidence shows that the organization’s volunteers are overwhelmingly likely to be pet-owning women with no children at home who are motivated to volunteer because it allows them to act on their values. Middle-age individuals are more likely than those under 25 or over 65 to become long term volunteers, and individuals who have recently lost a pet are less likely to become long-term volunteers than those who have not. There is some evidence that attending religious services once a year or less, identifying as a political moderate and working full-time make an individual more likely to become a long-term volunteer. There is some evidence that having a spouse, being a student, or having a friend or family member who already volunteers at the organization make an individual less likely to become a long-term volunteer.
Based on this study, the author recommends that Lexington Humane Society: 1. make its orientation process more applicant driven; 2. use “values” as a theme in volunteer recruitment and retention; 3. take steps to improve the retention rate of those who have recently lost a pet; and 4. Take steps to raise its profile among demographics that are likely potential long-term volunteers, such as middle-aged, childless, pet-owning women.
Recommended Citation
Robb, D'Arcy, "Lexington Humane Society: Analysis of Volunteers" (2011). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 109.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/109
