Motives for initiating and continuing membership in a recreation‐related voluntary association

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine motives for joining and continuing membership in a recreation‐related voluntary association. The theoretical framework for this study was based on a three‐category incentive typology. Data were obtained from 371 members of a voluntary association with a mail‐back questionnaire. Results indicated that the most important reason for joining and continuing membership in the association was to contribute to society. The least important reason was for an incentive or material benefit. Shifts in importance in these reasons from joining to continuing were assessed, as were the influence of gender and income level.