The pathway to participation model

Overall, the ‘pathway to participation’ process is both a strength and a weakness.

It is a strength because it generates volunteers who are committed to the club and for whom volunteering is meaningful. However, the pathway to participation is also a potential weakness because it tends to generate volunteers with similar socio-demographic profiles who reproduce the cultural practices and behavioural norms that have become meaningful to them. This acts as a potential barrier to change.

•

•

It is important to think about who does and does not make their way through the pathway to participation. Why do some new members become established members, whilst others leave the club? Why do some established members become volunteers, whilst others never contribute? Management of the transitions - ‘settling in’ and ‘activation’ - should help to increase new member retention and improve diversity among volunteers. The