Volunteering is an important part of our society. The 2018 WIN World Survey (conducted by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research), which surveyed 31,890 people from 41 countries, reveals that over one-quarter (28.5%) of those surveyed have volunteered in the last 12 months. Respondents were asked, “During the last 12 months, did you do any voluntary work; this is devoting time for a job for a non-for-profit organization without receiving any wage or salary in exchange?”
Although a similar proportion of men and women volunteer, differences emerge by age and region. The proportion of those who volunteer is highest among those aged 18-24 (33.5%), and is also high among those aged 65 or older (29.4%). Regionally, more people from Africa (40%) volunteer than people who reside in the MENA region (21%). Paraguay (57%) and China (57%) report the highest levels of volunteerism, while South Korea (6%) and Italy (7%) report the lowest. 39% of Canadians report volunteering.
As noted by Vilma Scarpino, president of the WIN Association,
“There are very large regional and country differences in the prevalence of volunteering. This survey flags the need around the world to encourage more volunteering in many countries.”
