"
The situation remains very tense
" in associations after two years of health crisis, in particular concerning the number of volunteers, according to a study published Monday, June 27 by the network of Research and Solidarity (R&S) experts.
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According to this survey, carried out from April 26 to May 30, 2022 among 2,776 association leaders, the situation is only considered good by 36% of the leaders questioned.
"
In terms of volunteer resources, the situation remains very tense
," says R&S.
"Civic role and social utility"
Among the subjects of concern "
for the coming months
" come first "
volunteer human resources available for activities
" (63%, +3 points compared to a previous study carried out in 2019), "
renewal of leaders
" (47%, almost stable) or even the financial situation and the reduction in the number of members (37%, +12 points).
Support expectations relate for 44% to “
recognition of the civic role and social usefulness
” of associations as well as to financial resources, with a third (33%) asking for administrative simplifications.
The survey distinguishes associations with employees (55% want more financial resources, +14 points) from those without employees (47% demand recognition of the civic role and social utility, +6 points).
The study highlights the concerns of the leaders of small associations (those whose annual budget is less than 10,000 euros) whose “
general situation today and for tomorrow is more often considered difficult
”.
Depending on their field of intervention, association leaders express different concerns.
In social action, there is “
greater concern with the evolution of public policies and relations with state services
”.
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In health, the general situation is considered more difficult today and for the months to come.
There is more concern in the associations involved in education and training “
about volunteer resources
”, a concern that is also found in the sports field.
In cultural action, the situation is a little more favorable with regard to voluntary work, but more financial difficulties are concentrated there.
