Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Participation in Volunteer Activities

Abstract

Abstract: In Japan, the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, with subsequent waves of infection that peaked during July 2020 and September 2020. To identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of people who participated in volunteer activities and the features of these activities, we used data from nationwide surveys collected in March 2019, February 2020, and October 2020. Compared with those before the pandemic (March 2019 and February 2020), fewer people participated in volunteer activities during October 2020 due to pandemic-associated cancellation of events and other restraints regarding volunteering. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many volunteer experiences were conducted online and were unaffiliated with an organization. Almost all of the participants in these activities had been active volunteers prior to the pandemic.