by Linda GraffDespite the important role of volunteers, they are sorely undervalued and volunteerism is largely taken for granted. That's why, somewhat tongue in cheek, I suggest that a widespread strike of volunteer workers may be the best way to demonstrate just how essential they are.
Consider, if only for a moment, where we would be without volunteers in the community hospice movement, pastoral care, disaster and emergency response, disability services, and any number of other aspects of health, social and human services upon which so many rely.
UK understands
The UK stands out on the international scene as a country that understands the relationship of volunteerism as fundamental to social inclusion and civic participation. However, managers of volunteers regularly report that their organisation's executives and community leaders still underestimate how important volunteers really are, not just as an essential workforce, but as the embodiment of civility, democracy, and caring.
Crisis
As we face this latest economic crisis, many are asking what the impact will be on services to vulnerable, sick, and marginalised populations. While there has rarely been a more critical time to invest in volunteering, the speculation is that funders, governments, and community leaders will seek the quick bottom-line fix, and cut spending on volunteer management. Now is the time for volunteerism to step up and find its rightful place as a partner in preserving community life and caring.
As funding in health care tightens, consider the essential human kindness that volunteers can inject alongside beleaguered professionals. Consider the impact when 400 citizens provide the foot power to supplement police services in the hunt for a missing girl. Think about the long-term human and social savings that result from volunteer-based mentoring programs that prevent teenage pregnancies, gang membership and early school leaving. It is difficult to understand the value of those kinds of volunteer interventions but that is precisely what we need to do.
Consequences
The time has come to research, document, and communicate the "consequentiality" of volunteer work. One would truly hope it would not require a strike, for the private sector, and governments to grasp what a precious resource volunteers represent to us all.
Linda Graff is an international expert in volunteerism and non-profit management. This column was based on a speech to the CSV's Institute for Advanced Volunteer Management.
UK understands
The UK stands out on the international scene as a country that understands the relationship of volunteerism as fundamental to social inclusion and civic participation. However, managers of volunteers regularly report that their organisation's executives and community leaders still underestimate how important volunteers really are, not just as an essential workforce, but as the embodiment of civility, democracy, and caring.
Crisis
As we face this latest economic crisis, many are asking what the impact will be on services to vulnerable, sick, and marginalised populations. While there has rarely been a more critical time to invest in volunteering, the speculation is that funders, governments, and community leaders will seek the quick bottom-line fix, and cut spending on volunteer management. Now is the time for volunteerism to step up and find its rightful place as a partner in preserving community life and caring.
As funding in health care tightens, consider the essential human kindness that volunteers can inject alongside beleaguered professionals. Consider the impact when 400 citizens provide the foot power to supplement police services in the hunt for a missing girl. Think about the long-term human and social savings that result from volunteer-based mentoring programs that prevent teenage pregnancies, gang membership and early school leaving. It is difficult to understand the value of those kinds of volunteer interventions but that is precisely what we need to do.
Consequences
The time has come to research, document, and communicate the "consequentiality" of volunteer work. One would truly hope it would not require a strike, for the private sector, and governments to grasp what a precious resource volunteers represent to us all.
Linda Graff is an international expert in volunteerism and non-profit management. This column was based on a speech to the CSV's Institute for Advanced Volunteer Management.
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