Volunteering as a network of social support to young people

The master's thesis deals with volunteering as a network offering social support to young people. The theoretical part is based on different authors and pieces of research that focus on young people in modern times, pointing out the social vulnerability of young people as a result of a complex transition to adulthood. Furthermore, it analyses potential protective elements and opportunities of social inclusion, with special emphasis placed on (appropriate, good) social support as a powerful protective element in the transition to adulthood, and volunteering as a possible source of additional social support and integration. The empirical part explores what role and importance young people attribute to volunteering. The quantitative-qualitative approach was used in the survey. Data was collected through an online survey questionnaire, which was distributed via social networks and e-mail addresses. The questionnaire was completely filled in by 169 respondents, of which 18 were men and 151 were women aged from 18 to 30 years. Research findings showed no statistically significant differences related to the indicators of the transition to adulthood or the quality of social support depending on whether young people have had experience with volunteering. Only some of the volunteers among the respondents connected volunteering with the expansion of their social networks, while others were either already satisfied with the quality of their social support or believed it was more important to gain experience in how to work in a specific area. The findings also show that volunteering has a positive impact on the individual who chooses to become one. Young people perceive volunteering as an alternative that helps them face the transition to adulthood more easily. Young people with experience in volunteering are more satisfied with their lives than those who have not volunteered