APS

2025 APS Annual Convention

Volunteer Motives: In Their Own Words

Sunday, May 25, 2025 · Washington, DC

Oral · Industrial/Organizational

Thirty-nine interviews with volunteers at a nature preserve were qualitatively coded. The following primary themes were identified: passion for nature, desire to “pay it forward,” social belongingness, appreciation; mission alignment; skill development; and safety of patrons. The results emphasized the diverse motives that attract and retain dedicated volunteers.

Chairs & Discussants

  • Maryalice CiteraSpeaker
    State University of New York at New Paltz
  • Lars EllwangerDiscussant
    State University of New York at New Paltz
  • Leeza PantanoDiscussant
    State University of New York at New Paltz