Let's assume that you believe that the mission is important and that this organization is one that can probably make a difference. A 1990 Gallup survey conducted for the Independent Sector estimated that there are 98.4 million volunteers in America. Well-known management author Peter Drucker noted that the nonprofit sector is the nation's largest employer. However most workers don't get paid. Unquestionably the major reason is that they believe in the mission of the organization.
Research suggests that other motivations exist as well.
Volunteer work may also provide a sense of achievement not received from one's regular employment. Some people may become involved for personal or professional networking opportunities. There are significant differences between being asked to sit on the national board of a well-known organization and being asked to join the board of the local chapter of that same organization or being asked to join the board of local nonprofit. The national board may provide prestige, visibility, and great networking opportunities as well as allow you to be of service. Most local boards don't offer that level of prestige and visibility, and the networking may be of limited professional help.