Promoting Diversity Inclusion in Volunteering: Addressing Structural Barriers

Volunteering may enhance social inclusion, yet immigrants face barriers contributing to exclusion and disparities. This study explores challenges and solutions in recruitment, promoting equity,

Background: Volunteering may provide significant health benefits for both volunteers and recipients, fostering social cohesion and well-being. However, structural inequalities persist in volunteer participation, with immigrants engaging at lower rates than the majority population. Given the increasing diversity of multicultural societies, understanding inclusive recruitment practices in voluntary organizations is crucial for advancing public health and social equity. This study explores how recruitment processes impact the inclusion of immigrants as volunteers and which impact the recruiter has on the diversity inclusion.

Method: The method was qualitative interviews with twenty-one individuals (18 volunteers and three employees) with different ethnic backgrounds, who had some responsibility for recruitment in a welfare- or community oriented non-governmental organizations.

Results: We identified key structural and individual factors shaping recruitment. Our findings highlight that large-scale organizations, often constrained by professionalization, funding structures, and qualification demands, may unintentionally exclude immigrants. In contrast, small-scale and minority-led organizations demonstrate greater flexibility and cultural sensitivity, fostering inclusion through social networks and lived experiences.

Implications: These insights underscore the need for policy and organizational reforms that address structural discrimination and enhance equitable participation in volunteering. Strengthening inclusive volunteer recruitment is essential for reducing health disparities and promoting social integration in diverse societies.