Associative volunteering returns to its pre-crisis level

Europe 1 with AFP 6:48 p.m., March 02, 2023

Associative volunteering has practically returned to its pre-health crisis level, but the composition of volunteers has evolved, with now more young people and a "clear disengagement of seniors", according to a study published Thursday.

According to this survey conducted by Ifop among 3,155 people questioned in January 2023 on behalf of the Research & Solidarity network of experts, 22.8% of French people are involved in an association.

As a result of the pandemic, the proportion of French volunteers had fallen from 24% in 2019 to 20% in 2022. “We are approaching the pre-crisis level”, notes Research & Solidarities.

Among the approximately 23% of French people involved in an association in January 2023, there are as many men as women.

A quarter of those under 35 and over 65, 22% of 35-49 year olds and 19% of 50-64 year olds devote themselves to a commitment.

"The backbone of associations is in danger"

The 65 and over, traditional pillars of associations, are experiencing a continuous decline: they were nearly 4 out of 10 in their age group to be volunteers in 2010, 31% in 2019 and now 25%.

There is "a clear disengagement of seniors" already noticeable before the health crisis.

Today, the most represented age group within associations are those under 35 (31% in 2023, compared to 26% in 2019), who have dethroned those aged 65 and over.

The 35-49 year olds are 23% (unchanged), finally come the 50-64 year olds in slight decline (20% against 22%).

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According to Research & Solidarity, "the backbone of associations is in danger": fewer French people are involved every week: 10.1% in 2019 and 9.2% in 2023. They represented 44% of volunteers in 2019, only 40 % in 2023. "Volunteers who have returned - or arrived since the Covid - tend to commit more often, punctually or monthly rather than weekly."

According to the latest INSEE "Associations Survey", France had 1.2 million active associations in 2018, which functioned thanks to 21 million "volunteer participations", the same volunteer being able to invest in several structures.