The effects of volunteering on individual growth, professional development and community life: The case of the Movimento Transformers Youth Association, Portugal

Abstract This study focuses on the impact of the Movimento Transformers Youth Association on individual growth, professional development and community life. It explores how the organisation, through its “SuperPower schools” methodology, empowers Portuguese youth, fostering talent for social good. Using a qualitative approach including interviews and focus group discussions, the study captures the nuances of the volunteering programme’s influence across different stakeholder groups, sustained by the multifaceted nature of volunteering. The Movimento Transformers programme exemplifies how structured volunteering can encourage individual and societal progress, enhancing individual growth, professional development and community engagement. The study is limited by its singular focus on one organisation, suggesting a need for further comparative research to substantiate the findings across similar programmes. Nevertheless, this research underscores the value of structured volunteering programmes in youth development, with implications for policymakers and educators aiming to replicate effective engagement models.