Next Steps - Beyond the Summit

Recommendations in Response to the Global Financial Crisis
The global financial crisis presents non-profit and volunteer service organizations with unique challenges. The Philanthropic Giving Index has observed a dramatic downturn in charitable giving during the past twelve months, a sign that the recession has caused many donors to tighten their belts. However, while the amount of charitable contributions has decreased, the number of individual donors has actually increased. People are still looking to make a difference, even with modest means. Volunteer service provides an opportunity to meet this need, allowing those with a desire to serve to give their time if the current economic climate prevents them from giving financial support.

The panelists and attendees of the summit on volunteerism identified the following best practices, which we present as recommendations for meeting the challenges of the current economic climate.

Match volunteer opportunities to the interests, skills and talents of the volunteer. 

To this end, a full-time volunteer coordinator is one of the most important assets of a service organization. Often, staff may feel tempted to delegate the tasks that they find less interesting and less enjoyable to volunteers. This is a serious mistake. Our volunteers are our most important resource, and their time should be valued and respected. Providing training and intentional matching opportunities for volunteers provides a more rewarding experience. This increases the likelihood of repeated, habitual service. It also empowers volunteers to serve as ambassadors for their organization, building relationships and attracting other volunteers.

Reach out to those who have lost their jobs. 

They can be volunteers, not just beneficiaries. There is an unfortunate stigma associated with unemployment, even in difficult economic times. The current job market is saturated with highly-skilled, competent professionals. Many talented and dedicated men and women have lost their jobs for reasons unrelated to their personal performance. Non-profit and volunteer organizations have a great opportunity to benefit from the service of these professionals, while providing volunteers who are between jobs with a renewed sense of personal dignity and self-worth. While these men and women may not have financial resources to give, they have time and professional skills (e.g. pro bono legal counsel, fundraising and development expertise, etc.).

Let your volunteers share the spotlight. 

They may not be public relations specialists, but committed volunteers are the best spokespeople for a service organization. They present an accessible, personal face. Those who need support from charitable organizations may be less intimidated when asking for help if they see someone they feel they can trust. Likewise, the personal witness given by our volunteers might inspire others to commit themselves to service.

Working with other service organizations: cooperation, not competition.
Working with other service organizations has many benefits. Our objective is to offer vital services to those who need them, and working together can prevent redundancy and waste of precious resources.
We can accomplish more by working together than we can separately. Identify areas where your organization could benefit from specialized skills or services. For example, partnership with local media can broaden public awareness of community needs and inspire others to serve. Federal, state and local government can be an important resource, not just a potential source of financial support.

Community-based organizations should be partners, not just clients of the government.

Public officials should be encouraged to talk to stakeholders before drafting policy. Volunteer service organizations possess vital knowledge of local needs, and this information must be considered if policies are to have the most effective community impact. Government agencies and volunteer service organizations with similar goals can work together to identify how resources might be shared and more appropriately allocated.

Summit Conclusion 

The economic crisis brought about a decline in charitable giving that has affected nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Philanthropic Giving Index, published by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, has fallen to its lowest point in a decade. Volunteers will compose the front lines of efforts to heal and rebuild affected communities and lives. The Summit on Volunteerism was convened to explore how in times of crisis volunteer organizations from different walks of life can be most effective working together.