Digital Volunteer Platforms: Russians' Willingness to Use Them and Application Potential

Abstract

The article examines the potential for using digital volunteer platforms in Russia and is based on quantitative and qualitative research conducted during the coronavirus lockdown (April – May 2020) by the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector. Relying on the data from a Russian nationwide survey (N = 2012), the authors conclude that the interest to register with the platform offering volunteer opportunities and activities is rather high.  The key factors behind the willingness to use such websites are sex and gender parameters, educational background, occupation as well as involvement in volunteering. Results of online focus groups (conducted among ordinary citizens and volunteers) show that online platforms dedicated to volunteering are in demand. The study also defines desirable characteristics of the aggregator website, such as a wide variety of volunteer activities to choose from, availability, safety and transparency.

Acknowledgements. The study is supported by HSE Basic Research Program.