Hot Topics
Responses to:
How Will the Economic Crisis
Affect Volunteering?
Posted on 24 February 2009 by Priscilla Prather, University of North Texas - Student, San Antonio USA
Ms. Ellis points out that we can in fact expect greater needs with fewer funds to meet the demand of those needs. In my hometown of San Antonio, Texas – we’ve already seen the decline in charitable giving. I also agree that there will be a greater demand for volunteers. It is my feeling that during a time of crisis communities will likely come together rather than pull apart. Based on what our past, as a country founded on volunteer principles, as already laid out for us.
If volunteers pay for their volunteering expenses from their discretionary funds, how will agencies find monies to reimburse them? Mrs. Ellis suggests that, “smart organizations will increase the amount of funds available to reimburse volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses, especially transportation and gas.” It is suggested that fundraising might be needed. It is my opinion that an agency can still obtain funds in an economic crisis, but a full fledge fundraising campaign might not be well received or offer great dividend in the end. Considering that more often than not, layoffs occur even within a non-profit organization – simply to assist in making ends meet. Bartering to meet one anothers needs seems creative and mutually benefiting to all parties. The future may very well hold a wealth of volunteers simply helping out a neighbor in tough times. We may never really know the scope of how we end up coming to the aid of our fellow man.
Submitted on 13 February 2009 by Sarah,
North Shore City Council,
Sector Development Officer,
North Shore City New Zealand
I think that the writer has it ALL wrong in much of the analysis of the assumptions. When times are tougher, people have less disposable income but more time. Sometimes they are ‘in-between' jobs and have skills they can contribute, even for a short time, to a 'cause' or centre they have an interest in! For many groups in the not-for-profit sector the 'silver lining' is that you should be able to tap into these skills, even for that short time. Think about volunteering as 'Task based', rather than the more traditional expectation of a commitment of time, i.e. every Monday afternoon 1 - 4pm. Ask your community if you could do with some help on the computer, upgrade a system, or create a template or develop a visually exciting newsletter or better still, website. There are people out there with time to spare these days who both want and NEED to keep their hand in or, perhaps, need to add to their CV. What better way than by doing some 'work' for a not-for- profit!
Submitted on 23 December 2008 by Mary Quirk, Volunteer Resources Leadership Project Manager, Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
Thank you Susan for this excellent article and readers for insightful response. The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) has been working on a case statement for the importance of volunteer resources during our current hard times and tips for organizations on use of volunteer resources. We would like to share what we have developed and here is a summary of the key points. [See at the full article in the online library.]
Seven Tips to Capitalize on Volunteer Resources During Tight Financial Times
From the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
When cash resources are tight, the value of volunteer resources assumes additional importance to nonprofits and governmental organizations. Every volunteer hour is value added to the organization. In the United States, the value of the volunteer time is an estimated economic contribution of $158 billion dollars annually. With well-planned and well-executed efforts, it is possible to bring an increased share of those resources to your organization during these challenging financial times. The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration offers these tips to maximize the value volunteer resources bring to enabling organizations to survive tight financial times.
- Maintain the volunteer manager position, even if faced with the need to make cuts, as the dollar value he/she brings to the organization is many times his/her salary costs.
- Intensify the impact of volunteer recruitment messages by drawing powerful images from media attention about increased needs.
- Look for new pools of volunteers such as job seekers or people who want give gifts of skills and time because they are less able to give less financially.
- Assess the organization for new ways volunteers can meet community needs and reduce staff stress.
- Avoid any perception that volunteers might be used to replace staff.
- Make sure there are volunteer opportunities that do not require out of pocket costs.
- Increase your ability to take advantage of opportunities available through use of volunteer talent by ensuring that leaders of volunteers are well trained in the best practices for volunteer management, and by placing the volunteer manager on the management team, if he/she is not already on it.
Submitted on 25 November 2008 by Peter Heyworth,
Northern Volunteering SA,
Executive Officer,
Adelaide, South Australia Australia
A good article Susan. I often feel that in the not-for-profit sector we are too quick to cry "woe is me, all is lost". Instead I believe now is the time we should be seen to step up and make a difference. Volunteerism and activism so often go hand in hand. Volunteering is about changing things and making our society better, social capital and all that.
I think you put a good challenge out to think outside the square and move against the tide of pessimism.
Submitted on 10 November 2008 by H. Roberts,
Project Linus NJ, Inc.,
President,
Keyport/NJ USA
During economic downturns and high unemployment, the fortunate, compensated non-profit staffer and the well-trained volunteer should work harder, together. No two partners can lend more voice to choice!
Hang a banner outside your agency door that reads, "We Welcome Your Volunteer Spirit-Inquire Within." Become the welcome mat of opportunity during this current economic crisis.
Submitted on 10 November 2008 by Susan,
Another Way, Inc.,
Voluneer Coordinator
Lake City, FL USA
I live and work in rural Florida. Getting volunteers in good economic times is rough and in bad economic times almost impossible. I really enjoyed your suggestions and I plan on using them in the coming months to hopefully build my volunteer force.
Submitted on 5 November 2008 by Rochelle Aynes,
Christian Care-Phoenix, Fellowship Square,
Director of Volunteers,
Phoenix USA
I have seen and experienced that when jobs are lost, volunteering fills the void until another job is found. If your program can support short-term volunteers it will not be difficult to get the word out. It is true that volunteering is a great networking opportunity.
Submitted on 5 November 2008 by Johanna Duffek,
Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association,
President,
Tucson, AZ USA
What an excellent and timely article and you put forth some great ideas, i.e. bartering and investing in volunteering during good times. Here, here! I can not agree enough that during tough times the volunteer administrator position is seen as expendable. I experienced this in a previous position and I was so saddened to hear from my former volunteers about how they were being treated. These long time volunteers have left in droves, no exaggeration. It's the community that will ultimately suffer from not having volunteers to keep this organization growing. Please keep publishing these great articles.
Submitted on 3 November 2008 by Melissa Pletcher,
Detroit Science Center,
Manager of Volunteer Services,
Detroit Michigan
I live in the Detroit area. We are taking a direct hit and things are looking very grim. Recently I attended a job fair to try and recruit unemployed professionals. Most people's reactions were initially skepticism (i.e. how can this help me when what I really need is a job?) but, after talking with a few people, it dawned on them that volunteering could be a respite of sorts. They saw that volunteering was worthwhile and they might actually be able to network with others who might have job leads. The moral of the story, take a seemingly negative situation and try to find ways to turn it around.
Share
Your Response
An international online journal to keep you current on trends, research, successes...
Learn more | Subscribe
Online training for individuals, organizations or corporations to work successfully with volunteers. Learn more
