Paper details

Abstract

Volunteerism plays a pivotal role in humanitarian crises, yet the behavioral and motivational drivers underpinning such engagement remain underexplored, particularly in low-resource settings. This mixed-methods study investigates the factors influencing volunteer involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on data from 97 survey respondents and 12 in-depth interviews with Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) volunteers. Quantitative analysis revealed that volunteers with better mental health exhibited significantly higher motivation (β = 2.884, *p* < 0.001), while educational attainment below high school correlated with reduced engagement (β = -4.232, *p* = 0.004). Qualitative themes highlighted the dual role of volunteering in fostering resilience amid educational disruptions and cultivating a sense of belonging through collective action. Volunteers reported deriving purpose from tangible community impact, despite challenges such as resource shortages (25.8% reporting "lack of supplies") and emotional burnout (34% experiencing moderate exhaustion). Notably, students constituted 47.5% of respondents, with volunteering serving as both an emotional anchor and a conduit for skill development. These findings underscore the interplay of intrinsic psychological needs, socio-educational contexts, and organizational support in sustaining volunteerism during crises. The study advocates for integrating mental health resources and targeted educational outreach into volunteer management frameworks, offering actionable insights for enhancing humanitarian response efficacy in resource-constrained environments.