Volunteer engagement rises to 63% in Norway as clubs seek support for administrative tasks

Recent statistics from Statistics Norway reveal that 63% of the population engaged in volunteer work over the past year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels of volunteerism. Local sports clubs, such as Grane Fotball, heavily rely on parents to coach children’s teams, with the recruitment of volunteers for administrative tasks proving to be more challenging than for activities related to coaching and events. Politicians and organizations are encouraged to streamline processes to support volunteers by minimizing administrative burdens.

Karl-Gunnar Ellefsen, chairman of Grane Fotball, emphasizes the personal rewards that come from engagement: “You get to see the children thrive and experience the joy of sports.” The club currently has around 40 parent volunteers coaching the teams. Last week, Grane Fotball faced the possibility of withdrawing a team from a tournament due to a lack of coaches, which was fortunately resolved, highlighting the essential role of volunteers in youth sports.

The latest data presented during Arendalsuka indicates a significant rise in volunteer engagement across various organizations. Stian Slotterøy Johnsen, Secretary General of Frivillighet Norge, expressed delight in the statistic, noting a unreported downturn during the pandemic; the share of volunteers fell to 55% in 2021.

However, while the overall number of volunteers is increasing, attracting individuals for specific administrative roles remains difficult. Arne Bård Dalhaug, Vice President of the Norwegian Sports Confederation, affirms that organizing specific sporting activities is easier than recruiting for back-office tasks.

There is a growing demand among the public to contribute, especially during significant events, according to Siri Hatlen, president of the Red Cross. She highlights the importance of providing adequate support for administrative tasks to harness volunteer enthusiasm effectively.

Johnsen believes the trend of high volunteer commitment will persist in Norway, attributing it to a strong cultural foundation of community support.