2020 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 1-10
〔Purpose〕The purpose of this study was to evaluate the process and progression of voluntary activities for local voluntary organizations that are working towards resolving health care and welfare issues. Further, we aimed to clarify the ideal way to provide external support to continuously develop these activities.
［Methods］This was a qualitative descriptive study that involved work with local voluntary organizations and analyzed qualitative data obtained through action research. We organized the activities of a local voluntary organization based on “the situation of the members” and “the movement of the organization from the viewpoint of the researcher”, then evaluated and examined the process used to resolve health issues related to health and welfare.
［Results］A team construction process was identified that included four activity stages for the local voluntary organizations: 1) a motivation increasing period, 2) a progression and withdrawal period, 3) an active teamwork period, 4) an activity direction and organizational vision period.
There were two ideal ways for assisting organization members who executed local voluntary organization activities. The first was to obtain supporters who can objectively determine the status of the organization and the second was to have autonomy so that each member was aware of the purpose of the activity, direction of the result, and role.
［Conclusion］Based on the characteristics of the stages identified for the local voluntary organization activity process and the theory of team building that focuses on solving issues within the organization according to the stage of the activity process, two recommendations were made to assist the organizations. The first was to obtain external support and the second was to ensure that each member has the autonomy to influences the activity of the organization. In addition, it was suggested that support based on individual empowerment was effective for continuation of activities and it was considered effective that provided in a timely manner with an objective view to the organization, too.
