Inspiring People To Volunteer

Bob Geldof is the celebrity most likely to inspire people to volunteer, according to research by MORI for the Year of the Volunteer 2005. The musician and charity campaigner ranked first among a list of celebrities who might encourage the public to involve themselves more with charity or voluntary work.

The MORI survey shows three in 10 people (29%) intend to make a New Year's resolution for 2005. Two-thirds (67%) feel they have a better chance of keeping a resolution if it involves doing things with other people, while 72% say they are more likely to keep a resolution that has a positive effect on others.

The Top Ten celebrities most likely to encourage people to get involved with charity or voluntary work are:

Technical details

MORI interviewed a carefully selected representative cross-section of 1,006 British adults aged 16 and over. Data has been weighted to the known profile of the population. Interviews were conducted by telephone between 29-31 October 2004.

Attitudes towards New Year's Resolutions Topline

• MORI interviewed a representative cross-section of 1,006 British adults aged 16 and over between 29-31 October 2004 throughout Great Britain
• Interviews were conducted by telephone using CATI technology
• Data have been weighted to reflect the known population profile
• All figures are percentages, based on the full sample unless otherwise stated
• Where figures do not add-up to 100% this is due to computer rounding or multiple answers

Q1 Thinking about the New Year's resolutions you have made in the last five years, have you successfully managed to keep a New Year's resolution to give something up at New Year?

Q2 And, in the last five years, have you successfully started any new activities or turned over a new leaf as a result of a New Year's resolution?

Q3 I am going to read out a few statements, for each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree or whether you feel it makes no difference. Is that strongly agree or tend to agree? -- Is that strongly disagree or tend to disagree?

Q4 Do you think you will be making a New Year's resolution this year?

Q5 Which, if any, of the following resolutions are you likely to make on New Years Eve this year? Base: All who will be making a New Year's Resolution this year (283)

Q6 And which, if any, of the following celebrities are most likely to encourage you to get involved with charity or voluntary work?