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ABSTRACT
Social scientists have long been fascinated about why people volunteer. Volunteers give their time to certain organisations without expectation of reward or compensation for their labour (Snyder & Omoto, 2008). The 2011 ‘National Survey of Volunteering Issues’ suggests that the primary motivations for volunteers are a ‘sense of purpose’ and the ‘difference they make to the community’ (Volunteering Australia, 2011, p. 4). While these two primary motivations may span volunteering generally, older adult volunteer motivation in the community radio sector anecdotally reveals a more complex picture. There are strong resonances between existing theoretical literature on motivations in volunteering (Clary et al., 1998) and community radio (Order, 2014b). Clary et al.’s (1998) work focuses on the initial motivation to volunteer and what drives continued participation. Order’s (2014b) study found that the main value for participation in community radio was personal development and empowerment at a personal or group level. The purpose of this article is to explore these broad themes in more detail. Interview data from volunteers at an exemplar community radio station is considered in conjunction with Clary et al.’s (1998) six motivational functions of volunteering. Clary et al.’s six functions provide the language and a framework to unpack personal development and empowerment at a personal and group level in the community radio sector using interview data about the participation of primarily older volunteers at Perth community radio station 6RPH (Radio Print-Handicapped). The analysis reveals a more nuanced picture of volunteer motivation for individuals. This article argues that the development of a purposeful identity through volunteering in a community radio context is a primary motivation and consequence for older adult volunteers.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
3. 6RPH is now operating under the auspices of the Vision Australia Radio network. See: http://radio.visionaustralia.org/our-networks/perth-990am.
4. For further information, see http://www.bca.org.au/.
5. All historical information has been provided by the station manager at 6RPH.
6. For the first five years (1991–1996). the station ran a subcommittee that included a variety of print-handicapped people. This established the print-handicapped program protocol (RPH6).
7. RPH# refers to anonymous interview data collected from 6RPH volunteers and staff.
8. Readers read printed material either as pre-recorded audio or live to air. Announcers provide the spoken links between shows and other radio materials such as stings or sponsorship. Technicians maintain resources and provide technical support to volunteers. Researchers select printed materials for the readers.
9. Readers are volunteers whose primary role is to read newspapers, magazines and books on-air for the 6RPH audience. The readers generally have little contact with the recording or broadcast technology.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Simon Order
Simon Order, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Radio Broadcasting, Music Technology and Audio Production at Murdoch University in Western Australia. His industry background includes audio production roles in the television and music industry, radio station manager and professional photographer.
Lauren O’Mahony
Lauren O’Mahony is a Communications and Media Studies Lecturer in Murdoch University’s School of Arts. Her PhD focused on the narrative conventions of romance and feminism in Australian chick lit. She teaches units in media studies, audience research and the evolution of screen culture. In 2013, Lauren won a Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award.