My survey and transcription

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ShmtsMvwXYG3HbEFEeUjkqzwQBIbxywtt3poUXwIxQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

Here is the link to the google form i did, it is in spanish because people don't speak english and my exchange was is spanish, but here is the explanation in english:

The survey collected 11 responses from people of different age groups. The largest group of respondents (45.5%) is between 18 and 25 years old, followed by people aged 35–45 (27.3%) and 25–35 (18.2%). Only one participant is under 18, and none are over 45. Regarding their occupation, most respondents are workers (72.7%), while 27.3% are both students and workers. No participant identified as being only a student.

 

When asked about volunteering, nearly two-thirds of the participants (63.6%) said they know at least one volunteer organization in Chile, showing that volunteering is relatively well known. However, participation in volunteer activities is evenly divided: around half of the respondents have already taken part in volunteering or worked with an association, while the other half have never had this experience. These results suggest that although many people are familiar with volunteer organizations, there is still room to encourage greater participation in volunteer activities.

 

The survey shows that most participants believe civic engagement is essential for society. In fact, 81.8% consider it very important, while 18.2% think it is important.

However, 63.6% of respondents feel that the Chilean government is not doing enough to support vulnerable people (such as the elderly, homeless people, and children). Only 9.1% believe the government is doing enough, while 27.3% are unsure.

When asked who should play the biggest role in helping vulnerable people, 63.6% chose the government, 45.5% chose associations and NGOs, and only 9.1% selected citizens or everyone equally.

The main barriers to volunteering are a lack of information (45.5%), a lack of time (36.4%), and a lack of interest (18.2%).

Finally, respondents suggested that volunteering in Chile could be encouraged through better communication and awareness campaigns, more civic education, greater government support, easier access to volunteering opportunities, and stronger recognition of volunteers’ contributions. These measures could increase participation and strengthen civic engagement.

The Perception of Volunteering and Civic Engagement in Chile (summary)

 

Volunteering and civic engagement play an important role in Chilean society, especially in supporting vulnerable populations such as elderly people, disadvantaged children, homeless individuals, and migrants. While the Chilean government provides social assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Family, many social needs are addressed by non-profit organizations and volunteers. As a result, volunteering is often seen as an essential complement to public services rather than a replacement for them.

This strong volunteer culture is linked to social inequalities, which make charities essential in providing housing, education, and healthcare support. Universities, including Universidad Mayor, actively encourage students to volunteer and develop leadership and social responsibility.

Compared with France, volunteer organizations play a more significant role because Chile’s public welfare system is less extensive. In France, the government provides more social support, while in Chile charities often fill important gaps.

Sources

Ministry of Social Development and
Family (Chile)

Hogar de Cristo

TECHO Chile

Universidad Mayor - Community Engagement (Vinculación con el
Medio)

OECD - Society at a Glance: Chile

Personal percepcion

During my exchange in Chile, I noticed that volunteering is highly encouraged, especially among students. Many young people see it as an opportunity not only to help others but also to gain valuable life experience. I was impressed by the commitment of volunteers and the strong collaboration between universities and non-profit organizations. Compared with France, I feel that volunteering in Chile is often driven by more urgent social needs, while in France the State provides a larger share of social support. Both countries value civic engagement, but the role of volunteer organizations is even more essential in Chile because they help meet needs that public services cannot always fully address.