ABSTRACT
Most events require a relatively significant commitment of human resources, including-and especially (in many cases)—volunteers who work these events without pay. In the conceptual framework of social enterprise, volunteers are critical in helping nonprofit organizations and social causes work toward their mission in a cost effective manner. Event volunteers, for example, help raise funds that are used toward the following social causes: teaching young people basics like reading and writing, improving senior citizens’ homes and quality of life, providing homeless people with temporary housing and food, finding more people to adopt abandoned dogs and cats, increasing the blood supply for hospital patients, and so on. Again, this is the idea of “more money, more mission.” Event volunteers can also further a social cause by increasing awareness and understanding among attendees. This chapter discusses volunteerism traditions and realities in the United States, benefits and costs of volunteers, volunteer management and best practices, and theories and evidence related to volunteer motivation. It provides insight on event volunteers’ motivation and satisfaction through a case study of one of the most popular running events in the United Statesthe Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon-along with a survey instrument that can be adapted for other events.
