YOUTH In Relation to Volunteerism

ACTIVIST and Activism

 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
OF THE PHILIPPINES
College of Social Sciences and Development
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

This is a study of the

selected students of
B.S. Psychology 4 3
under the supervision
of Dr. Nenita F. Buan.
 Introduction
Activism has emerged since the
foundation of political system in
the prehistoric period.
 SUMMARY
Activism has emerged since the foundation of political
system in the prehistoric period.
Often it is concerned with how to change the world
through social, political, economic or environmental
change.
Activism has various types but the most prevalent are
volunteerism, grassroots activism, letter writing and
petitions, direct lobbying, litigation, and demonstration.

4
In Philippine setting, activism can be traced back
during the Spanish, American and Japanese
colonization.
Yet even after the Philippines have attained freedom,
misgovernance is difficult to refrain from happening.
Mention the most common instances such as Martial
Law, corruption of leaders, increase of oil, fare, tuition
fees, house, electric and water bills, house and lot, etc.,
activists will continue existing.
Unfortunately, activists before and now are
not given notice or fair treatment unless they
proceed through aggressive acts such as
hunger strike, waving placards while
protesting on the streets, performing
spectacles near Malacaang, etc.
5
Despite of the hindrances the activists received, they
believe in the commonest saying, Ang kabataan ang
pag-asa ng bayan.
If ever the present activists are not given the privilege
for their rights and reform, they believe that by being
committed with their work, youths will be aware of the
current circumstances.
Other activists strategize also by engaging the youths
to partake in activism.
Due to vast changes in the environment,
influenced by science and technology,
youths are entitled as ignorant, lazy,
shallow-minded, impulsive, goal-
disoriented, etc.
6
Thats why even youth activists are less considered by
high rulers.
According to Margaret Mead, Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever
has.
Youth activists today might be far different from the
ones before, but they still have one common goal,
change.

7
BACKGROUND of the STUDY

Colleges: CBA, CSSD, CPSPA, CTHTM,

CAFA, and CAL

Students Party for Equality and

Advancement of Knowledge (PUP
SPEAK)

A non-militant activist/socio political

organization. They aim to provide the
students with leadership development
activities, and believes that PUPians must
consider skills development as part of
their training, which should be
constructive, rational, and responsible.
BACKGROUND of the STUDY
Sub-Organizations: Anakbayan, League of Filipino
Students (LFS), Kabataan Partylist (KPL), Student
Christian Movement (SCM-PUP), Kamanyang
Artist Collective (KAC-PUP), and PUP Migrante
Youth (PUP-MY)

Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa

Sambayanan (SAMASA)

The main militant political activist organization in

PUP System. It positions itself at the forefront of the
students struggle against the colonial,
commercialized and facist educational system and
its manifestation in the University whole year round.
More than 5,000 students are involved in this
activist organization with 52 officials on it.
 THEORETICAL Framework

Systems
Social Social Theory &
Exchange Learning the
Theory Theory Ecological
Perspective

Explain human Modeling and The ecological

behavior based on imitation are the perspective is a
self-interest and central processes of theoretical
choices made to social learning framework used to
accomplish personal theory. Modeling and describe the
goals. The basic imitation are transactions between
premise of the theory processes where people and their
is that people make people can learn new environments.
choices to maximize behavior or change
rewards and their current
minimize costs. behavior by
observing the
behavior of others. 10
CONCEPTUAL Framework

Profile of the Volunteerism and

Respondents Activism Scale

1. Age 1. Sense of Effectiveness

Factor
2. Gender
2. Sociability or
3. Year Generalism Factor

4. College 3. Idealism or
Philosophical
5. Activist Commitment Factor
Organization
4. Feel Good Factor

11
STATEMENT of the PROBLEM

This research seeks to answer the following:

Profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, year, college,
and Activist Organization
The volunteerism and activism scale of the respondents as to the
following factors: (1) Sense of Effectiveness Factor, (2) Sociability
or Generalism Factor, (3) Idealism or Philosophical Commitment
Factor, and (4) Feel Good Factor
The significant difference between volunteerism and activism
when grouped according to profile
SIGNIFICANCE of the STUDY
01
Psychology Students
They will be aware about the
reasons why student activists
want their voices to be heard in
the society that they are moving
in by simply conducting such
movements/rallies.
02
Activists Students
They will have the power to
express what they think are
right and what they think are
unacceptable for the society
through opposing the school
governance.
03
Guidance Counselors
With the help of this study,
guidance counselors will gain more
knowledge about the society and in
that way, they will be able to
support those student activists who
are in need of emotional comfort.
04
PUP Administration / Management
Consciousness of the PUP Administration will be
awakened with the help of this research in a way
that all of the concerns of the youth activists will
be given enough actions that will lead to
harmonious communication between the students
and the school management.
05 08
PUP Community Philippine Government

PUP Community will be informed regarding all
the issues that the University is facing and they
will also be alarmed with why these students
often do rallies which might help them make
the action in resolving these.
This is indeed beneficial for the Philippine
Government for they can use this as a basis or
reference to know how to react to different concerns
of youths nowadays and will also serve as a guide
for them to find effective ways in dealing these.

06 09
Filipino Youth Future Researchers

Young people nowadays will have the This can serve as a reference to their
awareness about the society not only with what similar studies in the future.
their personal problems might be but also
regarding the bigger problems of our society
that need quick response to be addressed.

Students

07 This will surely be helpful for the students in completing their subject
requirements and this helped them broaden their vocabulary,
grammar and made them learn that as students, they should always
carry their sense of responsibility in whatever they accomplish.
 SCOPE and LIMITATIONS
Respondents
The respondents of this study are
regardless of gender and age providing
they are from senior high school
students, 1st year up to 5th year college
and fresh graduates in any of these
political organizations such as SPEAK
and SAMASA.
Time Frame & Sampling
The period allotted in this study is
twice a week which will be done
through a stratified random sampling.
Number of Respondents
One hundred (100) participants in
total are needed for the study with
fifty (50) individuals each
organization. As for the interviews,
ten (10) participants are the totality
with five (5) interviewees each
organization.
Data Gathering
Administration of the standardized
questionnaire is done in both paper-
based and electronic-based methods
depending upon the convenience of
the respondents. Meanwhile,
interviews are done in both face-to-
face and electronic-based methods.
 METHODOLOGY
Research Design, Variables
and Measures, Sampling
Design, Research
Respondents, Research
Instrument, Research
Locale, Data Gathering
Procedure & Data Analysis
RESEARCH
Design
As a mixed study, it requires quantifiable and
qualifiable data involving numerical, statistical
and descriptive explanations to describe the
existing phenomena. It systematically used
measurable data to formulate facts and uncover
patterns in research. It allowed the researchers
to conduct a survey through paper-based and
electronic-based methods, face-to-face and
electronic-based interviews, and systematic
observations.
 VARIABLES and MEASURES

Variables Measures
A measure of the foundational motivations for
serving as a volunteer/activist regarding the
Sense of Effectiveness respondents feeling that one can make a
difference in addressing social problems.

A measure of the foundational motivations for

Sociability/Generalism serving as a volunteer/activist concerning the
respondents sense that volunteering is a normal
Factor part of life.

A measure of the foundational motivations for

Idealism/ Philosophical serving as a volunteer/activist towards the
respondents feeling that social justice is
Commitment Factor necessary.

A measure of the foundational motivations for

serving as a volunteer/activist relating to the
Feel Good Factor respondents feeling of being rewarded for
volunteering.
 SAMPLING
Design
In this study, stratified random
sampling was used to determine the
samples of the study. Students of the
Polytechnic University of the
Philippines regardless of age and
gender were the respondents of this
research. The information that was
gathered came from those who are
actively joining rallies and from those
who are willing to volunteer for the
school and society. The respondents
were asked to answer the questions
honestly for the completion of the
whole study.
1
research
Respondents
The researchers considered senior
high school students, 1st year up to
5th year college students, and fresh
graduates of Polytechnic University
of the Philippines regardless of
gender and age provided that they
are youth activists from the selected
political organizations such as
SPEAK and SAMASA. The study is
comprised of 100 participants in total
with 50 participants for each
organization.
 research 1
research
Instrument Locale

A questionnaire was used in order to The study is administered inside the

obtain the data needed for this campus only, specifically in any
research. The questionnaire is a 20- available rooms at a given time of the
item measure of the foundational experiment, as long as the
motivations for serving as a researchers coordinated with the
volunteer or activist. The scale itself head from the chosen
is divided up into 4 dimensions activist/political organizations. The
which are (1) Sense of Effectiveness, location of the study was not only
(2) Sociability or Generalism, (3) limited to rooms, all parts of the
Idealism or Philosophical campus were included.
Commitment, and (4) Feel Good
Factor.
DATA GATHERING Procedure

The researchers have provided an informed consent form to the respondents as a

permission to participate in the study that contains the purpose of the study,
addressing the confidentiality of results and scope of information to be used.

For respondents who preferred the paper-based test, it was conducted on the
convenient time and place as set by the respondents, particularly on their
organizations offices. The standardized questionnaire was given by the
researchers. Approximately fifteen (15) minutes were allotted for the completion
of the entire test.

Participants who preferred to use the electronic-based method, using Google

Forms application was posted via internet. It was disseminated through SPEAK
and SAMASA Facebook pages of PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Participation on both approaches was strictly voluntary with form of rewards had
been given.
 DATA Analysis
All the data were collated and
summarized using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
in computing the pertinent results
needed on this study.
Scale
u 4.50 and above
v 3.50 4.49
w 2.50 3.49
x 1.50 2.49
y 1.49 and below
- Likert Scale -
In determining the most significant factor of
activism and volunteerism to PUPian
student activists, getting the weighted mean
was employed. Through Bales Volunteerism-
Activism Scale, it is in a form of five-point
Likert scale, and each point corresponds to
each item that constitutes a designated
dimension.
Interpretation
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
 Scoring
Items 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20 are reverse scored

Items 2, 3, 6, 13, 16 make up the Sense of Effectiveness factor

Items 4, 8, 10, 15, 18, 20 make up the Sociability or Generalism factor

Items 5, 7, 9, 11, 14 make up the Idealism or Philosophical Commitment
factor
Items 1, 12, 17, 19 make up the Feel Good factor

Independent Sample t-test were used to compare means of the

respondents with variables that have two classifications while One-Way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be the statistical treatment for
variables with three or more categories.

In the data gathered of face-to-face and electronic-based method

interviews, Microsoft Excel was employed for easy sorting of answers.
Perceptions of youth activists about their political and social commitment
was compared and contrasted afterwards.
 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS &
INTERPRETATION of DATA
Presentation and Analysis of Data, Interpretation,
Profile of Informants, Motivation, Factors for a
Fuller Commitment, Key Concepts in Activism,
Consequences
 PRESENTATION and ANALYSIS of DATA

Statement
Problem 1.0.

What is the
profile of the
respondents in
terms of the
following:

Table 3. The youth activists ranging from ages of 18-20 years old have the most
number of respondents with the counted percentage of respondents of about
68%, making them the most committed ones among all other ages. The youth
activists ranging from ages of 17 years old and below makes up the 18% of the all
counted respondents. The youth activists with the age that ranges from 21-23
years old have the least number of respondents, considering them as the least
committed youth activists among all counted respondents.
Table 3.1. The male youth activists outnumbered
the total counted respondents, constituting the 52%
of it, thus making them more committed than the
female youth activists who only made up about 48%
of all counted respondents.
Table 3.2. Among all the Year levels that has affiliations with youth
activism, the 4th or 5th year college students/ Fresh graduates made
up the most number of respondents, considering them as the most
committed youth activists making up the 46% of the total counted
respondents. The second most committed year level would be the 3rd
year college student activists, making up the 28% of all counted
respondents. The 2nd year college student activists are still
considered as committed in their activist organization, making up
the 14% of all counted respondents. And among all the year levels
that has affiliations with youth activism, the Senior High School/ 1st
year college student activists have the least number of respondents,
considering them as the least committed ones in terms of year level,
making up only 12% of all counted respondents.
Table 3.3. Among all 12
colleges that has affiliations
with youth activism, the
youth students of College of
Political Science and Public
Administration and College
of Social Sciences and
Development are the most
committed, wherein both
includes about 17% of all
counted respondents. The
second most committed
affiliated colleges would be
College of Engineering,
College of Science, College
of Computer and
Information Sciences, and
College of Education, each
includes about 11% of all
counted respondents.
The youth activists of College of Communication are also that
committed for their organization, including about 8% of all
counted respondents. The fourth set of most committed colleges
affiliated with youth activism includes College of Business
Administration, College of Law, and College of Tourism,
Hospitality and Transportation Management, each making up 6%
of all counted respondents. The College of Accountancy and
Finance, College of Architecture and Fine Arts, and College of Arts
and Letters makes up some of the least committed colleges with
affiliations in youth activism, each including about 5% of all
counted respondents. And amongst all of the affiliated colleges,
College of Human Kinetics have the least committed youth
activists, only making up 3% of all counted respondents.
Table 3.4. The youth activists of the two main activist
organizations in Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, SPEAK and SAMASA, have the same
number of counted respondents, each making up 50% of
all counted respondents, thus considering them as
committed in their corresponding organizations.
Statement Problem 2.0.

What is the volunteerism and activism scale of the respondents as to:

Table 4. Effectiveness is the degree to which objectives are
achieved and the extent to which targeted problems are solved.
From Table 4, it can be gleaned from the data that the items have
diverse interpretations. Three items were interpreted as strongly
agree: Item 2 (WM=4.57); item 6 (WM=4.55); and item 16
(WM=4.66). Item 3 was interpreted as agree (WM=4.47) and item
13 as strongly disagree (WM=1.49). (See Table 2, Likert Scale)

In general, the computed overall weighted mean is 3.95 interpreted

by the respondents as agree based on the sense of effectiveness
factor. This shows that the respondents are in accord that one can
make a difference in addressing social problems.
Table 4.1. Volunteerism is recognized as an important source of
sociability, satisfaction, and self-validation over the life course, and
people volunteer for different reasons and motives, depending of
their life stage or their perceived time left to live. From Table 4.1, it
can be gleaned from the data that the items have diverse
interpretations. Four items were interpreted as agree: Item 4
(WM=3.88); item 10 (WM=3.67); item 18 (WM=3.64); and item 20
(WM=3.95). Item 8 (WM=3.13) and item 15 (WM=2.54) were
interpreted as neither agree nor disagree. (See Table 2, Likert
Scale)

In general, the computed overall weighted mean is 3.47 interpreted

by the respondents as agree based on the sociability or generalism
factor. This shows that the respondents remained neutral to
whether volunteering is a normal part of life
Table 4.2. Everyone has an optimal growth pace and finding that
pace is part of the learning process. Progress is uniquely individual.
From Table 4.2, it can be gleaned from the data that the items have
diverse interpretations. Item 5 (WM=4.10) was interpreted as
agree. Item 7 (WM=3.49) was interpreted as neither agree nor
disagree. Two items we're interpreted as strongly agree: item 9
(WM=4.57) and item 11 (WM=4.61). Item 14 (WM=2.48) was
interpreted as disagree. (See Table 2. Likert Scale)

In general, the computed overall weighted mean is 3.85 interpreted

by the respondents as agree based on the idealism or philosophical
commitment factor. This shows that the respondents are in accord
to the notion that social justice is necessary.
Table 4.3. Volunteering positively impacts on life satisfaction and
mental well-being. From Table4.3, it can be gleaned from the data
that the items have diverse interpretations. Three items were
interpreted as agree: Item 1 (WM=3.84); item 17 (WM=4.48); and
item 19 (WM=4.13). Item 12 (WM=3.02) was interpreted as neither
agree nor disagree. (See Table 2. Likert Scale)

In general, the computed overall weighted mean is 3.87 interpreted

by the respondents as agree based on the feel good factor. The
respondents showed accordingly the sense of fulfillment they receive
as a reward for volunteering.
Statement Problem 3.0

What is the volunteerism and activism scale of the

respondents as to:
Table 5. All the factors were interpreted as not significant: Sense of
Effectiveness (p-value=0.497), Sociability or Generalism Factor (p-
value=0.525), Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor (p-
value=0.110) and Feel Good Factor (p-value=0.112). Their p-values
are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the
decision is retain the null hypothesis.
Table 5.1. All the factors were interpreted as not significant: Sense of
Effectiveness (p-value=0.224), Sociability or Generalism Factor (p-
value=0.520), Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor (p-
value=0.707) and Feel Good Factor (p-value=0.824). Their p-values
are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the
decision is retain the null hypothesis.
Table 5.2. All the factors were interpreted as not significant: Sense of
Effectiveness (p-value=0.819), Sociability or Generalism Factor (p-
value=0.291), Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor (p-
value=0.356) and Feel Good Factor (p-value=0.208). Their p-values
are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the
decision is retain the null hypothesis.
Table 5.3. All the factors were interpreted as not significant: Sense of
Effectiveness (p-value=0.656), Sociability or Generalism Factor (p-
value=0.928), Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor (p-
value=0.978) and Feel Good Factor (p-value=0.675). Their p-values
are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the
decision is retain the null hypothesis.
Table 5.4. Two factors were interpreted as not significant: Sociability or
Generalism Factor (p-value=0.800) and Feel Good Factor (p-
value=0.074). On the other hand, the other two factors were interpreted
as significant. These are: Sense of Effectiveness Factor (p-value=0.015)
and Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor (p-value=<0.000).
Their p-values are lesser than the 0.05 percent level of significance.
Therefore, the hypothesis is rejected.
 INTERPRETATION of DATA
Statement Problem 1.0.: TOP PROFILE
OF RESPONDENTS

AGE: 18-20 YEARS OLD

More likely to be committed when their self-interests merge
with the interests and needs of the organization. These
advantages are opportunities to express beliefs, learn new
things, lessen negative feelings (such as guilt, shame and
isolation), and enhance self-confidence and sense of efficacy.
Supported by Social Exchange Theory
Approximate ages 17 to early 20s begin to search and develop
a sense of their identity, describing it as a complex inner state
that includes a sense of their individuality and uniqueness, as
well as a sense of wholeness and continuity with the past and
the future. Supported by Psychosocial Stages of Development
 GENDER: MALE
More likely to be committed in political issues and activities
than women such as decision-making that are based on
reason with characteristics of being brave, aggressive,
independent and good at controlling their emotions.
Physically stronger than women which makes them more
equipped to protests, direct lobbying, rally, mobilization that
requires great physical exertion. Supported by the studies
of Eviota (1994) and Marcel, Lopez and Kirby (2007)
 YEAR: 4TH/5TH YEAR
COLLEGE/FRESH GRADUATES
More likely to be committed as a result of prolonged
observance of these particular behaviors throughout their
college lives and then engaging themselves to enact in
response behaviors.
Produced enough confidence about their ability to master
volunteerism and activism (self-efficacy).
The longer youth activists engage to volunteerism and
activism, the more willing they become to try other types of
volunteerism/activism services that hold greater and more
challenging responsibilities (efficacy expectation). -
Supported by Social Learning Theory
 COLLEGE: CSSD and CPSPA
Most likely to be committed as having exposure to particular
set of institutions can lead individuals to hold informed beliefs
as well as form new opposing ideas about how international
institutions work. - Supported by the study of Hafner-Burton,
LeVeck & Victor (2015)
Offered curricular subjects like Philosophy particularly Politics,
Ethics, Logic, Economics, Psychology and Sociology; as well as
existing related organizations under their department, the
more they are expected to be educated and experienced how
politics work plus the society.
Influence of positive faculty interactions outside the classroom
has long been documented. Faculty support not only leads
students to grow developmentally, but also empowers students
to engage in activities complementing their academics, such as
activism. Supported by the study of Rosas (2010)
 Statement Problem 2.0.: VOLUNTEERISM/
ACTIVISM SCALE OF THE RESPONDENTS

KEY MOTIVATION: SENSE OF

EFFECTIVENESS
Motivated whenever making a difference in addressing social
problems as described by Bales (1996)
Youth activists felt being an effective citizen of a society if they
are able to contribute help to political and societal needs of the
society.
Activists more preferred to experience the satisfaction of basic
psychological needs, an indicator of more frequent experiences
of intrinsic motivation for life satisfaction, positive affect as well
as personal growth, purpose in life and vitality. Supported by
the study of Klar & Kasser (2009)
 Statement Problem 3.0.: PROFILE VOLUNTEERISM
& ACTIVISM SCALE RELATIONSHIP

SIGNIFICANCE OF SCALE: ACTIVIST

ORGANIZATION
Sense of effectiveness factor and Idealism or Philosophical
Commitment factor were perceived to be significant for both SPEAK
and SAMASA.
Through volunteerism and activism youth activists can be of social
importance in addressing societal problems; Motivated by the belief
that social justice is necessary thats why they feel responsible to take
actions. Described by Bales (1996)
Two resulting segments in identifying volunteers/activists:
(1) Classic volunteers: whose motivations are doing something
worthwhile; personal satisfaction; and helping others.
(2) Dedicated volunteers: who perceive each one of the motives for
volunteering as relevant. Supported by Dolcinar & Randle (2007)
 PROFILE of INFORMANTS

The selection of informants for the qualitative phase of the study was
based on the data gathered in paper-based and electronic-based methods
undertaken prior to the interviews. Participants were selected according to
the degree of knowledge they have on their affiliation and youth activism.

SPEAK INFORMANTS: (most influential student leaders or activists

in their departments)
INFORMANT 1 female, fresh graduate, affiliated with SPEAK under
Women's Initiative for Socialist Development and Freedom or
WISDOM
INFORMANT 2 female, 3rd year college student under CAL,
affiliated with WISDOM
INFORMANT 3 male, 4th year college student under CPSPA
INFORMANT 4 male, 3rd year college student under CSSD
INFORMANT 5 male, 3rd year college student under CPSPA
SAMASA INFORMANTS: (most observed active student activists
toward reform)

INFORMANT 1 male, 2nd year college student under COC, affiliated

with AnakBayan
INFORMANT 2 male, 4th year college student under CSSD,
affiliated with AnakBayan
INFORMANT 3 female, 3rd year college student under COC,
affiliated with League of Filipino Students or LFS
INFORMANT 4 female, 3rd year college student under CSSD,
affiliated with Student Christian Movement or SCM
INFORMANT 5 female, 3rd year college student under CPSPA,
affiliated with Kabataan PartyList or KPL
INFORMANT 4 male, 3rd year college student under CSSD
 MOTIVATION

SPEAK Respondents
Informant 1. First of all, I want to give my own context of activism, which is changing the world or
the system. Im an activist because I want to change the system. I want to change the world.

Informant 2.Not everyone has the courage to fight for their rights, to act about what
should be done, to voice out their opinions and reviews, to evaluate
what everybody needs to see specially the wrong system and administration we
have now. For that, we must act.

Informant 3. To spark change.

Informant 4. What motivates me to partake in political actions or movements and keep on

supporting the organization that I am affiliated to is my principle that it is our responsibility as
youths to partake in change.

Informant 5. For me, education is for everyone. It's not a privilege, but a freedom for everyone.
That's why I fight for the education we need right here in PUP.
SAMASA Respondents
Informant 1. It all started with the morally corrupted system of the society. I
became further motivated whenever our organization goes to places such as squatters
areas, farming lands, and factories. I saw how poor they are and how small
their incomes compared to the great effort that they put into work. That
made me questioned myself, How those people will ever live with that daily short
money they have?

Informant 2. In a sense, I am eager to achieve justice whenever there are issues that
our society is facing.

Informant 3. It makes communities stronger.

Informant 4. The toiling masses.

Informant 5. Activism motivates me to do the things which other people cannot do or

don't have the guts to do: to fight for change.
FACTORS for a FULLER COMMITMENT
to VOLUNTEERISM/ACTIVISM

SPEAK Respondents

Informant 1. You need conscious elements to formulate how the system can
improve from this point to that point and its the process of raising awareness..

Informant 2.I think, its good to engage in activism because at a young age we play
a vital role in the society, we are learning how to analyze the society we belong to,
we are shaping our own perspective on how to see things clearly.

Informant 3. Collectively, the movement that the activists' emanate serves as a

reminder to the state for the welfare of the conception of freedom bills, informing
them for the bad feedback from the public. Thus, requiring the policy-making
body to reassess and reevaluate in order to adjust and improve the laws they
implement.
Informant 4. In my opinion, political actions catalyze huge changes in our lives. The
general public is always behind in every movement in making a big difference,
hoping that they will be heard. I believe that for as long as there's resistance from
the public, there is an underlying problem occurring in our society

Informant 5. In community welfare, we can help through the method that we are
using right now because we dont just cry out our complaints. We have a qualitative
basis. We have a science to clarify what we really are fighting against something.
SAMASA Respondents

Informant 1. When we say contribution, our three main roles should be to arouse
(to educate about society), to organize (to invite and include citizens in our
organization, and to enhance their skills), and to mobilize (to take in action the
things learned and skills that are harnessed).

Informant 2. In joining movements, there are tasks given to you and that can be
considered as your contribution in the net change and that can possibly happen if
the movement is put into action.

Informant 3. They identify with particular struggles and social movements that
align with how they relate themselves and their family to social and economic
structures.

Informant 4. By educating, organizing and mobilizing them.

Informant 5. Activism contributes sense of positive change for the whole

country, granted or not. Still, it's worth a try.
 KEY CONCEPT of an ACTIVIST

SPEAK 1
SAMASA

Informant 1. Conscious. For People. Informant 1. Studying the society.

Passionate.
Informant 2. Committed.
Informant 2.Courage. Transparency. Progressive. Concerned.
Excellence.
Informant 3. Humanity. Voice.
Informant 3. Passion. Heart.

Informant 4. Sacrifice. Informant 4. Volunteerism.

Selflessness. Commitment.
Informant 5. Voice. Action.
Commitment. Informant 5. Voice. Think. Change.
 CONSEQUENCES

SPEAK Respondents

Informant 1.
NEGATIVE: Security risk, others might think that we are just wasting our time.
POSITIVE: This contributes to my learning which I considered as my reward.

Informant 2.
NEGATIVE & POSITIVE: Since we have principles to hold on, you can set aside
for a while your personal needs, emotional needs and subjective needs. See the
bigger picture, personal stuff can wait.

Informant 3.
NEGATIVE: Struggle for me to balance my responsibilities.
POSITIVE: It aided me to see both perspectives using different approaches to
fully understand the issue. It has always been a struggle for me to balance my
responsibilities. I learned how to adapt which also gave me the opportunity to
develop and improve myself.
Informant 4.
NEGATIVE & POSITIVE: Personal sacrifices, being scolded by my parents, and I
was culture-shocked with what's been going on. I began to fully commit all of my
time in this propaganda, disregarding the needs of my family, friends and even my
own studies, that was very difficult to handle.

Informant 5.
NEGATIVE: I feel that there are other obligations that I have neglected, as in our
home.
SAMASA Respondents

Informant 1.
POSITIVE: Patience, time management, multi-tasking and strategies
whenever loads of activities fall into one place. It helped me boost my
confidence as well as assertiveness in changing our society for the better.

Informant 2.
NEGATIVE: Involvement gives you risks, received death threats, and be
abused. You need to sacrifice a lot for the movement. That is my
dilemma, thats why I cant commit I cant give up my family life.

Informant 3.
NEGATIVE & POSITIVE: My heightened emotional responses to the
world: of rage, guilt, fear, hope, love, and courage.
Informant 4.
POSITIVE: I became well-rounded in terms of my academics.

Informant 5.
NEGATIVE & POSITIVE: Being involved in activism could really challenge
your personal life and social life including time, duties, family, etc. In the
end, it depends on how you handle those consequences you might
encounter.
SUMMARY of FINDINGS,
CONCLUSIONS and
RECOMMENDATIONS
 SUMMARY of FINDINGS

1.0. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of the following:

The largest group of the student activists was found on the age bracket of 18-20
years old with a percentage of 68.0%. Group of student activists on the age
bracket of 17 years old-below was found with a percentage of 18.0%. Whilst, the
Age group of student activists on the age bracket of 21-23 years old was found with a
percentage of 14.0%.

The largest group of the student activists was male with a percentage of 52.0%.
Whereas, the group of female student activists was found with a percentage of
48.0%.
Gender

The largest group of student activists was found on the college year level of 4th
or 5th Year College/Fresh Graduate level with a percentage of 46.0%. Group of
student activists on the 3rd year level of college was found with a percentage of
Year 28.0%. Group of student activists on the 2nd year level of college was found with
a percentage of 14.0%. Whilst, the group of student activists on senior high
school/1st year level of college was found with a percentage of 12.0%.
 The largest group of student activists was found in CPSPA and CSSD
with a percentage of 17.0% for each college and a total of 34.0% for
both colleges. Group of student activists in COED, CE/CS/CCIS was
found with a percentage of 11.0% for each college and a total
percentage of 22.0% for both colleges. Group of student activists in
COC was found with a percentage of 8.0%. Group of student
activists in CBA, CL, and CTHTM was found with a percentage of
College 6.0% for each college and a total percentage of 18.0% for both
colleges. Group of student activists in CAF, CAFA, and CAL was
found with a percentage of 5.0% for each college and a total
percentage of 15.0% for both colleges. Whilst, the group of student
activists in CHK was found with a percentage of 3.0%.

The group of student activists responded was equally distributed between PUP
SPEAK group and PUP SAMASA group with a percentage of 50.0% for each
Activist college and a total of 100% for both colleges.
Org.
 2.0. What is the volunteerism and activism scale
of the respondents as to:

Variables

Sense of Effectiveness Factor was found with an

Sense of Effectiveness
overall weighted mean of 3.95 and interpreted
by the respondents as AGREE. This result shows
that the respondents are in consensus that one
can make a difference in addressing social
problems.

Sociability or Generalism Factor was found with

an overall weighted mean of 3.47 and
Sociability/Generalism interpreted by the respondents as NEITHER
Factor AGREE NOR DISAGREE. This result shows that
the respondents endured a neutral way as to
whether that volunteerism and activism is a
normal part of life.
 Idealism or Philosophical Commitment Factor
was found with an overall weighted mean of 3.85
Idealism/ Philosophical and interpreted by the respondents as AGREE.
Commitment Factor This result shows that the respondents are in
consensus as to the concept and notion that
social justice is necessary.

Feel Good Factor was found with an overall

weighted mean of 3.87 and interpreted by the
respondents as AGREE. This result shows that
Feel Good Factor the respondents are in consensus to the sense of
fulfillment that one can feel about being
rewarded by volunteering.
3.0 Is there a significant difference between volunteerism
and activism when grouped according to profile?

3.1.Age and Factors

There is no significant difference noted between all the factors and
the age of the respondents based on their p-values that are greater
than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the null hypothesis
is accepted.

3.2.Gender and Factors

There is no significant difference noted between all the factors and
the gender of the respondents based on their p-values that are
greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the null
hypothesis is accepted.
 3.3.Year and Factors
There is no significant difference noted between all the factors and
the year level of the respondents based on their p-values that are
greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the null
hypothesis is accepted.

3.4.College and Factors

There is no significant difference noted between all the factors and
the colleges where the respondents belong to based on their p-values
that are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore, the
null hypothesis is accepted.
 3.5.Activist Organization and Factors
There is a significant difference noted between the Sense of
Effectiveness Factor and Idealism or Philosophical Commitment
Factor and the activist organization of the respondents based on
their p-values that are lesser than 0.05 percent level of
significance, Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected.

However, there is no significant difference noted between the

Sociability or Generalism Factor and Feel Good Factor and the
activist organization of the respondents based on their p-values
that are greater than 0.05 percent level of significance. Therefore,
the null hypothesis is accepted.
 CONCLUSIONS

Widespread activism in PUP, a social movement that promotes change inside

and outside school has been growing over the last few years. Due to the
misconceived perception among PUPian activists nowadays and even before,
a group of Psychology students implemented a study among them to see what
key motivations that drive them to be fully committed in volunteerism and
activism and that of which makes sense. The researchers also aimed to voice
out their standpoints, hard works, and struggles in pursuing change. Sense of
Effectiveness and Idealism or Philosophical Commitment is all motivational
factors in the commitment of youth activists. They are motivated whenever
they make a difference in addressing social problems and by their beliefs that
social justice is necessary for all. Other internal factors are the benefits they
would gain in shaping their mental health which includes raising awareness,
potential of learnings, boosting self-confidence and assertiveness, improved
multi-tasking and time management skills, and enhanced decision-making
skills in addressing and prioritizing things. As for the external factors, it
includes the awareness in poverty and corrupt system which compels them in
upbringing change.
With all these factors, it can help transcend the misconceived perception
among youth activists labeling them as anti-government, rebels,
impulsive and aggressive thinkers, goal-disoriented, etc. In fact, youth
activists commitment to volunteerism and activism has deeper bases
which cannot be observed by many as others are mainly focused on what
they see and not on whats behind those occurrences.

Despite new evidences in perceiving how volunteerism and activism

positively cultivated the mental health of youth activists, more research is
needed in order to provide a deeper understanding of the commitment of
youth activists such as using other theories that would support more of
this study, as well as trying other methods and instruments for more
accuracy. Furthermore, youth activism studies deserve issue-specific
concepts that can explain not just how the subjects are perceived but also
what aspects of the subjects are missed out.
 RECOMMENDATIONS
For improving this
study
1. It is recommended that the present
study may be reviewed, criticized, and
even replicated to provide a deeper
comparison of the results.
2. To provide a deeper understanding of
the commitment of a youth activist,
further demographic characteristics
could be a treated as an advancement
for the study.
3. Since a students participation in
activism could go on after college, a
supplementary study about further
involvement of a graduate student
activist to movements outside the
campus would be substantial.
1
For future
researchers
1. Future researchers may widen the
coverage of this study by
extending to the population of
youth activists from other
universities and ultimately, to the
regional and national scope of
activists.
2. Future researchers should also
explore on how the use of social
media has transformed the way
activism is being implemented
and how it affects an audiences
awareness.

For youth activists
Youth activist organizations like
SPEAK and SAMASA should
continue to empower students in
order to become purposeful
individuals.
For the PUP
1
administration
1. It is recommended that the PUP
Administration adapt more
inspired ways to explore the
concerns of student activists.
2. The faculty members, alongside
the student body organization,
need to teach and show college
students how activism is not just
about conducting rallies and
demonstrations.
 For the local 1
For the PUP
government students

The government should uphold and
recognize the contributions of
student activists on college campuses
and not be treated as adversaries of
the state.
The PUP students should raise
consciousness regarding activism,
what it really entails and how it helps
the lives of every Iskolar ng Bayan.

For psychology
1
students

The Psychology students should

spearhead the awareness about the
effects of activism in an activists
psychological, cognitive, and physical
well-being.
The End
Members:
u Matoza, Jeremae
v Monderin, Aurea Mae
w Natividad, Kim
x Navarro, Rhianivie Whine
y Panugao, Jasmin Denise
z Nicolas, Christine Joan
{ Prudente, Frecila Marie
| Polinag, Gaele
} Punzalan, Samantha Nicole