I saw it as something parents do. My parents were scout leaders and involved in our communtiy in charitable organizations, like lions and Kiwanis and church groups. Also, we've moved a few times and I've joined groups as a way to get to know people and somehow can't resist volunteering to join up in doing things.
Some people are afraid to join groups because they know there aren't alot of other people and they don't want to get into it too deep. There was one group that I kept avoiding because I heard that not many people went to the meetings but that they needed help. I was already in over my head in a few other organizations and knew what would happen if I went.

I know when I first started volunteering outside of my child's class I was petrified. It was in our school library, I found I enjoyed it alot. After doing that for two years I found out our PTA was dissolved because of alck of involvement. That fact sickened me to the point that when our PTO was started in 2001 I went to the meetings wondering if I could help. again i felt like I didnt fit in but after 3 months I ran the first Holiday shop held in over 6 years. The satisfaction was that I could organize and pull it off.
Why do i continue to volunteer and be leader of our group? I have developed alot of great friendships and alot of respect from others. I feel that I am making a difference in so many lives. Does it mean I never get frustrated..ha ha ha ALL THE TIME!! I also get great satisfaction in watching the kids at our family events,,,the smiles say it all. I do get down at time thinking we are often under appreciated, not so much for me but the other volunteers. I wish that people could see how valuable PTO/PTA"S actually are.So i do it for many reasons, alot of the parents at my school would tell you the same...all we ask is for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!! Is that consider recognition? Im not sure...

This is my question - What are the reasons people volunteer or do not bother volunteering? I thought I knew them before a friend of mine admitted that she won't volunteer because she didn't think she'd get proper recognition. I'm not making any comment on her reason, I would just like to explore what motivates people to volunteer.

I just volunteered to be the chairman for the silent auction/spagetti dinner/school dance. Since this is so labor intensive, I need to find more volunteers than most events need. This will be our 2nd year for the auction and 1st year with a chairman (don't ask ).

So what makes the average parent tick? What are reasons you have heard for why some one does or doesn't volunteer?

Every comment would be appreciated.