Volunteers in the Public and Nonprofi t Sectors 119
volunteers as replacements for paid employees. If volunteer programs
are going to be effective, agencies must work with employees to establish
the parameters of volunteer programs. Volunteers with the Massachu-
setts Commission Against Discrimination were helpful in reducing the
workload of the paid staff, but in other situations, such as in Michigan,
where layoffs had occurred, staff employees resented volunteers who
replaced paid staff. In most instances, volunteers are used to enhance the
effectiveness of paid staff, not to eliminate paid positions or compensate
for deliberately understaffed programs. According to Brudney (1993,
p. 130), “ The literature leaves no question, however, that volunteer scholars
and managers endorse labor ’ s stance that the substitution of nonpaid
workers for paid is unethical. No evidence exists that volunteers feel any
differently. Hence, if agency administration intended to use volunteers
to reallocate funds away from designated positions, they can anticipate
resistance from not only employees but also from volunteers. ”
Volunteer Motivation
Why do individuals volunteer? When surveyed, volunteers expressed a variety
of reasons. It appears that both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards motivate
volunteers. Intrinsic rewards are such things as satisfaction, a sense of accom-
plishment, and being challenged, which result from the work itself. Extrinsic
rewards are benefi ts granted to the volunteers by the organization.
Many individuals use volunteering as a means for career exploration
and development. For example, individuals who volunteer at a com-
munity nonprofi t for developmentally disabled adults can experience
what it is like to work with that population. Individuals who volunteer
as a reserve police offi cer can receive enough exposure to determine
whether law enforcement is a correct career choice for them. Some
people volunteer to develop skills that might enhance their paid posi-
tions. For example, volunteering to make presentations in front of large
groups, write grants, or prepare budgets develops essential skills that
employers need.
Some people volunteer because of the opportunity to meet new people.
Some volunteer as a way to contribute or give back to the community in
which they live. Some professionals, such as nurses and social workers who
are raising small children, keep active professionally through volunteer
work. Others volunteer as a way to interact with community leaders or
because they value the goals of the agency. Still others volunteer because
