Understanding Volunteer Motivation and Meaningful Service in America’s National Parks
This article explores why people volunteer in America’s national parks and how program design influences whether service remains meaningful. Volunteer motivations often overlap and include personal values, learning, social connection, career development, confidence, purpose, and attachment to place. The article uses motivational frameworks to show that volunteers are more likely to remain engaged when they experience autonomy, growing competence, respectful relationships, and a clear connection
