Why and what for?

This research is based on the construction of a reflexive inquiry with French Red Cross volunteers within the framework of a systemic approach in order to understand why - how - and for what - for what purpose - they have committed themselves to social action. Using this approach, Ms. Bonzi, PhD in Anthropology (EHESS, 2019), measures the gaps between what a person imagines and desires when committing themselves and the reality of a difficult daily life where they come up against poverty. This action research questions the purpose of commitment, for volunteers, for the Red Cross and for public policy, and provides the Red Cross with tested and evaluated tools for understanding, analyzing and reacting to volunteer disengagement.