Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Research and Reports
1 minute read

Meeting volunteer expectations — a review of volunteer motivations in citizen science and best practices for their retention through implementation of functional features in CS tools

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

This document provides a comprehensive guide on the effective management and implementation of citizen science projects. It underscores the significance of clear project goals, volunteer recruitment, sustainability, and the pivotal role of citizens in these initiatives.

Enhancing Volunteer Engagement

For volunteer organisations and management practitioners, the document offers valuable insights into aligning volunteer interests with project needs, ensuring meaningful participation, and fostering long-term commitment. It stresses the importance of understanding volunteer motivations, providing appropriate training, feedback, and recognition, and leveraging technology to enhance participation and scientific output.

Contributing to Global Goals

Moreover, the document highlights how citizen science projects contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by involving citizens in environmental monitoring and other scientific research. This not only aids in addressing global challenges but also empowers individuals with STEM knowledge and skills.

Summary

For organisations involved in volunteer management, this document serves as a crucial resource. It offers strategies for retaining volunteers by meeting their expectations, creating a sense of community, and ensuring projects are fun, rewarding, and aligned with their interests. By adopting the recommended approaches, organisations can maximise volunteer contributions, enhance scientific productivity, and make a significant impact on environmental and global issues.

Johanna Amalia Robinson, David Kocman, Orestis Speyer & Evangelos Gerasopoulos (2021) Meeting volunteer expectations — a review of volunteer motivations in citizen science and best practices for their retention through implementation of functional features in CS tools, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64:12, 2089-2113, DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2020.1853507

Downloads and sources

Visit source (opens in new tab)

More about the authors

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Factsheets

Complaints Handling Factsheet

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) fact sheet, model policy and procedure aims to help small charities with their complaints handling processes.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Research and Reports

Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers

This research offers a different perspective on volunteer management in non-profit organisations, moving beyond traditional ideas of challenges and solutions.
1 minute read
Anders la Cour, Lesley Hustinx, Nina Eliasoph
General
Policies & Procedures

Volunteer Management Toolkit

A comprehensive guide on best practice volunteer management across the volunteer lifecycle.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
Better Impact
Tech

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
scheduled

The Tuff Stuff: Volunteer Performance Counselling 

While managing volunteers is generally rewarding, there are times when performance issues need to be addressed. Performance counselling may be necessary to clarify concerns, support improvement and maintain a positive volunteering environment.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
on-demand

Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs

Nationally recognised qualification for people who manage volunteers. Over a 12-month period, develop leadership and management skills to lead volunteers, or formalise your experience.
Volunteering Queensland
Peak body members: $1950. Standard course fee: $3,500.
scheduled

Gladstone Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and Gladstone Regional Council invite you to connect with the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference through an affordable local satellite event.
Volunteering Queensland
–
A$38.00