Guest Lecture: Civic Engagement: Why Volunteer? (Femida Handy, PhD, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania)

Invitation to a guest lecture followed by discussion as part of the Research Colloquium
Opportunity for personal discussion with the speaker before and after the presentation
Guests are warmly welcome
Presentation language: English
October 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM, Rempartstraße 16, Seminar Room on the 2nd Floor/room no. 02012, 79098 Freiburg

Why do people devote their time and energy to voluntary engagement – and what do they truly gain from it?
Beyond the traditional explanation of “doing good,” recent research reveals a more nuanced picture: motivations range from personal growth to social recognition, and even extend to unexpected benefits for health and longevity. Organizations also stand to gain – though not without costs. In her talk, Professor Dr. Femida Handy highlights how altruistic, instrumental, and social factors intersect, why helping can enhance attractiveness, and why civic engagement is far more than just volunteering.

Femida Handy, PhD, is Professor of Social Policy at the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, where she previously served as Director of the PhD Program. Her teaching and research focus on the economics of the nonprofit sector and cover topics such as volunteering, philanthropy, nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and microfinance. More information about her can be found here.