Society. Cécile Bazin: "One-off volunteering is a commitment you can master."

Cécile Bazin, CEO and co-founder of the network of experts and academics Recherche et solidarités. She is also heavily involved in the operation of the local networking platform Tous unis, tous solidaires in Lyon. She answers our questions about the popularity of occasional volunteering .

What does the enthusiasm for one-off volunteer missions represent in relation to the overall level of community involvement?

"For 15 years, since our first survey, we've observed that so-called occasional volunteering has indeed increased. It has gone from 4.5 to 7% of French people's commitment, which has gone hand in hand with a decrease in regular commitment. However, our latest survey shows a very slight increase in long-term commitment."

Do new networking platforms meet changing needs?

"Yes, the platforms are very useful to everyone, even if young people are much more naturally adept than many older people. The platforms shorten the time between the desire to get involved and actually doing so. This also forces associations to clearly identify their needs in order to publish concrete announcements."

Is one-off volunteering also beneficial for the individual and society?

"Even if it's a one-off, the individual will develop the ability to carry out an action with others and be attentive to others. Those who intervene occasionally sometimes do so out of desire, but it's often out of necessity. Today's one-off volunteer may be someone who works very regularly tomorrow."

It is also a guarantee for the volunteer that he will not end up with “burn-out” as is sometimes the case in associations…

"There are indeed situations that can be difficult for volunteers, who are getting older, who are unable to hand over the reins. Time is the primary factor in non-commitment. According to our latest survey, 12% of volunteers experience their commitment through worry or disillusionment, and this is often linked to their over-investment. Occasional volunteering, on the other hand, is a commitment that can be controlled."

For associations, is this a solution to the volunteer crisis and the shortage of workers ?

"Society is evolving, and there's no reason why volunteering should escape these changes. Associations must adapt, but it's complicated because they also need people who are active over the long term. However, we can't talk about a crisis in volunteering or vocations. The increase in youth engagement is full of hope ."