Volunteerism in Singapore: Do good, feel good.

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In April 2023, DPM Lawrence Wong spoke at the Singapore Volunteer Management Conference, addressing representatives from non-profit organisations, community groups, and corporate partners. He acknowledged the prevalent sense of volunteerism in Singapore, especially during the pandemic and attributed the uninterrupted success of social services to the respective groups. DPM Wong also emphasised the importance of volunteerism in Singapore; how it helps develop greater empathy, and in turn the ability to understand what it means to walk in the shoes of others. Volunteering constitutes a key factor in building a community spirit, and it also generates better mental health and overall well-being. Most Singaporeans have the desire to volunteer, but cite lack of time and commitment. These factors result in them feeling discouraged. Volunteering through the years According to DPM Wong’s speech, 20 years prior, less than 10% of Singaporeans volunteered. It reached a high of 35% in 2016, and went back down to 22% - likely due to the pandemic. Recognising the importance of volunteering, DPM Wong stated that the government will do its part in encouraging and galvanising Singaporeans to volunteer through certain measures. For example, the SG Cares App that allows Singaporeans to efficiently locate organisations and causes that align to an individual’s interest. The establishment of SG Cares Volunteer Centres in every town has also contributed to the training and mobilising of volunteers, to better meet the local needs within their respective communities. The Youth Corps also provides the opportunity for youths to undertake projects both locally and abroad. Ms Chew* a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Youth Commission started as a young volunteer in secondary school at 13. She enjoys volunteering knowing that she is able to help those who are less privileged. In the process, she gains valuable lessons about those from a myriad of backgrounds, or people who might be on different pathways of life.

Sustaining volunteerism among Singaporeans While the government helps encourage Singaporeans of all ages to participate in volunteer work, community organisations and non-profits should also engage volunteers regularly to ensure they feel appreciated and recognised. This helps volunteers discern that their contributions are part of a larger purpose. Said organisations should also identify or design meaningful roles from volunteers, and provide them with support and training lest they feel as if they are being used to plug certain organisational needs.

By focusing on strengthening volunteer practices, it resulted in a significant increase in regular volunteers. Catholic Welfare Services were able to double their pool of regular volunteers after investing in a centralised volunteer management system that better engages their volunteers. KampungKakis - a ground up initiative which matches volunteers with frail seniors - employed one full time staff to manage 1,100 active volunteers. They are also tapping on existing volunteers, encouraging them to take on leadership roles.

Through resources such as the Volunteer Resource Hub, the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) provides toolkits to help organisations identify strengths and gaps in its volunteer management, as well as accurate recommendations that can help the organisation improve.

DPM Wong affirms that “the spirit of contribution and giving is crucial in taking our nation forward.” With the government creating more platforms for organisations to share their experiences and best practices, as well as other volunteer centres providing training on how to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers more effectively, it will further enhance the capabilities that volunteer organisations have.

Everyone has different motivations for volunteering. Some may be more concerned about local issues within their own communities, and others more passionate about social movements like mental health. Currently, Singapore is pursuing a target of raising its volunteerism rate to 70% in an effort to address a fast-ageing population.