Transforming lives through volunteering? Perspectives of London 2012 Olympics/Paralympics Games Makers Professor Divya Jindal-Snape* Dr Fernando Fernandes** TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE: EDUCATIONAL AND LIFE TRANSITIONS (TCELT) RESEARCH CENTRE *SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION **SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
CECHR Annual Symposium, 5th February 2014
Study commissioned by Volunteer Development Scotland
Objectives • To explore the expectations and experiences of Games Makers • To explore the impact of volunteering on Games Makers • To explore the perspectives of Games Makers to understand how volunteers can be supported better for similar events
Methodology • Longitudinal Study, data collected in two phases – Expectations – Experiences
• Online questionnaires • Quantitative (rating scales, multiple choice) and Qualitative (free narrative) • Sample – Expectations (n=144) – Experiences (n=122)
Participants’ profile Gender 2% Female 40% Male
58%
Prefer not to state/blank
Considered disabled 4%
4% yes no Prefer not to state/blank 93%
Results: Volunteering Roles Anti-Doping Chaperone
Athlete Services
Event Services
Event Control Room Field of Play Team
International Federation Services Team London Ambassador Olympic Family Services
Medical Team
National Olympic Committee Services
Press Operations Team Privacy Screen Team
Protocol and Language Services
Performer at Closing Ceremony
Sport Information Team
Transportation
Technology Team
Sports Equipment Team
Victory Ceremonies
Results: Expectations of Impact More able to work in a team
More able to communicate
Sense of fulifilment
More confident
Developing new skills
0
Expectations
20
40
60
80
100
120
Developing new skills
More confident
Sense of fulifilment
More able to communicate
107
82
136
92
140
160
More able to work in a team 84
Results: Experience Motivated to volunteer again More able to work in a team More able to communicate Increased sense of responsibility More confident Developed new skills 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
48
Increased sense of responsibility 27
More able to communicate 40
More able to work in a team 28
Motivated to volunteer again 84
50
48
57
53
34
17
22
47
25
39
4
Disagree
3
2
0
0
2
0
Strongly Disagree
1
0
0
0
0
0
Developed new skills
More confident
Strongly Agree
42
Agree
59
No Change
Results: Gamemakers’ Voices about their experience Actually it exceeded my expectations. I wasn't prepared for the overwhelmingly positive reaction volunteers would receive from organisers, athletes and the public. We were lucky enough to have extensive access to the sports areas and so could watch the games happen, which added to the overall experience.
Results: Impact on Volunteers My perception of what I am capable of has changed…People's respect for me has increased and they cannot believe how I have changed. Being a volunteer at the Olympic Games has inspired me to become more active. I plan to play more golf and go swimming more often.
Results: Impact on Volunteers I have an increased interest in disability sport and am considering this as a career choice. It has given me something so unique to write on my CV which will really help me on my way to becoming a journalist myself. The volunteers got such an amazing response from both the public and the media that I feel it is a really great help to my career to say I was a part of it.
Results: Expectations and Experience 1%
2% 1% 2%
6%
Exceeded Expectations Met Expectations Did Not Meet Expectations Yes and No Different (but loved it) Don't Know 88%
Results: How Can Volunteers be Supported Better? More support financially and with working hours. I had to use annual leave for my volunteering and worked in between shifts, travelling back to Aberdeen each time. This has been expensive and exhausting. I was offered unpaid leave, but am not in a position to afford that option. The financial outlay was considerable, over more than a year, with several training sessions in London which were essential. I would have to think very seriously about being able to undertake this sort of effort again without some assistance towards the inevitable expense.
Results: How Can Volunteers be Supported Better? I would need the organisers to listen more to my limitations, due to my disability, so that I am given the correct duties. I had a lot of bother getting around the massive venue only to find out on my second last day, that there were motability scooters available. Few people seemed to be aware of this or made me aware of them. A grant would be necessary as I have had to pay for a lot of travel, accommodation and food over the weeks of this event. I would have to think seriously about this for future events.
Results: Next Steps Not Volunteer Again in Any Area
Not Volunteer Again at Other Games
Carry on with my Previous Volunteering Roles
Consider Volunteering in Other Areas
Consider Volunteering at Other Games 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
So, do you think volunteering, especially event volunteering, can transform lives? Might be able to tell you more when I come back from my stint as a Clyde-sider!
With the researchers' permission, the funder made anonymised data from this study available to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games volunteer organisation team in December 2012 with a view to informing volunteering at Glasgow 2014.
Contact Professor Divya Jindal-Snape d.jindalsnape@dundee.ac.uk
Dr Fernando Fernandes f.l.fernandes@dundee.ac.uk