Research Article

Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations

Volume: 55 Number: 1 April 30, 2026
TR EN

Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations

Abstract

Volunteering is a service carried out in line with the needs of society and individuals and is carried out to increase social welfare without financial gain. Volunteering activities under the umbrella of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) benefit society and the individual volunteer. Although the participation of young adults plays a vital role in the realization of volunteering activities within the NGOs, the volunteer participation of young adults in Türkiye remains lower compared to many other countries. In this context, the main objective of this study is to reveal the perceptions and motivations of young adults aged 18–35 regarding volunteering. A case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in this study. The study group was selected through maximum variation sampling. Twenty volunteers aged 18-35 who participated in volunteer activities at KalDer (the Turkish Quality Association) were included in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used in data analysis. As a result of the data analysis, nine themes were revealed, including the reasons for the participants to volunteer, sources of motivation, volunteer characteristics, training provided at KalDer, expectations from volunteer training, participation of young people in volunteering activities, factors that negatively affect the volunteering process, areas of volunteer activity needed in Türkiye, and the role of universities in promoting volunteer participation. As a result, overcoming the barriers that limit young adults’ participation in volunteering requires strengthening societal awareness of volunteerism and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK

Project Number

1919B012200990

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma Eslem Köseman sorumluluğunda yürütülen TÜBİTAK 2209 2022/1 dönem projesinden üretilmiştir.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Informal Learning

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 55 Number: 1

APA
Köseman, E., Yazıcı, R., & Lafçı-tor, D. (2026). Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 55(1), 316-359. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1676567
AMA
1.Köseman E, Yazıcı R, Lafçı-tor D. Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55(1):316-359. doi:10.14812/cuefd.1676567
Chicago
Köseman, Eslem, Rumeysa Yazıcı, and Dürdane Lafçı-tor. 2026. “Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 (1): 316-59. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1676567.
EndNote
Köseman E, Yazıcı R, Lafçı-tor D (April 1, 2026) Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 1 316–359.
IEEE
[1]E. Köseman, R. Yazıcı, and D. Lafçı-tor, “Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations”, Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 316–359, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.14812/cuefd.1676567.
ISNAD
Köseman, Eslem - Yazıcı, Rumeysa - Lafçı-tor, Dürdane. “Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55/1 (April 1, 2026): 316-359. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1676567.
JAMA
1.Köseman E, Yazıcı R, Lafçı-tor D. Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55:316–359.
MLA
Köseman, Eslem, et al. “Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 316-59, doi:10.14812/cuefd.1676567.
Vancouver
1.Eslem Köseman, Rumeysa Yazıcı, Dürdane Lafçı-tor. Young Adults’ Perceptions of Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organizations. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;55(1):316-59. doi:10.14812/cuefd.1676567

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