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The value of our volunteersA Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the services rendered by volunteers in the field of HIV youth peer education, first aid and disaster response Micronesia Red Cross Society | Kosrae ChapterbyHans SkillingYouth Peer Education Coordinator Micronesia Red Cross Society – Kosrae Chapter

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How we work

Strategy 2020 voices the collective determination of the IFRC to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the next decade. Informed by the needs and vulnerabilities of the diverse communities with whom we work, as well as the basic rights and freedoms to which all are entitled, this strategy seeks to benefit all who look to Red Cross Red Crescent to help to build a more humane, dignified, and peaceful world.

Over the next ten years, the collective focus of the IFRC will be on achieving the following strategic aims:

1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises

2. Enable healthy and safe living

3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace

© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Asia Pacific zone, Kuala Lumpur, 2014

Any part of this publication may be cited, copied, translated into other languages or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated. Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to the IFRC at [email protected]

All photos used in this study are copyright of the IFRC unless otherwise indicated.

Cover photo: Micronesia Red Cross – Kosrae Chapter

Asia Pacific Zone office The Ampwalk, Suite 10.02 (North Block) 218 Jalan Ampang 50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 9207 5700 Fax: +60 3 2161 0670 E-mail: [email protected]

P.O. Box 372CH-1211 Geneva 19SwitzerlandTelephone: +41 22 730 4222Telefax: +41 22 733 0395E-mail: [email protected] site: http://www.ifrc.org

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The value of our volunteers A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the services rendered by volunteers in the field of HIV youth peer education, first aid and disaster response

Micronesia Red Cross Society | Kosrae Chapter

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Table of contents Executive summary 2

1. Introduction 3

Objectives of the study 3

Scope and limitations of the VIVA Study 4

Micronesia Red Cross Society 4

Micronesia Red Cross Society – Kosrae Chapter 5

MRCS Kosrae Chapter volunteer program 6

Volunteer roles and responsibilities 7

2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit 8

A. Total volunteer investment 8

B. Total volunteer value 10

C. The VIVA ratio 12

D. Total number of volunteer hours 12

E. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteer hours 13

F. Per capita costs and contributions 14

3. Other findings 15

4. Conclusion 16

5. Recommendations 16

List of tables

Table 1: Total volunteer investment in 2012 8

Table 2: Total volunteer value 10

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The value of our volunteers A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the services rendered by volunteers in the field of HIV youth peer education, first aid and disaster response Micronesia Red Cross Society | Kosrae Chapter

Executive summaryThis Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study focuses on the volunteers of the Micronesia Red Cross – Kosrae Chapter who were mobilized from January to December 2012. The Kosrae chapter has mobilized 36 youth volunteers who have been trained in the areas of HIV peer education, first aid and disaster response. The volunteers also took part in doing general tasks such as carpentry and general clean-up. Trainings for these volunteers were conducted within the years 2005 to 2010.

Key findings

• Totalnumberofbeneficiariesserved:2,176outofKosrae’s total population of 6,616. In addition, the volunteers have also indirectly served more than 5,000 people.

• Totalnumberofvolunteersinvolvedinthisstudy:36• Totalvolunteeringhoursspent935.5hours• Equivalentnumberoffulltimepaidstaffforthework

done by the volunteers: 1• Totalvolunteerinvestment:USD1,560orCHF(Swissfrancs)1,396.82• Investmentpervolunteer:USD43.00• Totalvolunteervalue:USD2,915.78orCHF2,610.79CHF72.53• Valuepervolunteer:USD81orCHF72.53• VIVAratio:2:1,meaningthatforeachoneUSdollarinvestedinvolunteers,

KosraeChapterreceivestwoUSdollarsworthofservicesrenderedbythe volunteers.

This study recommends1. Improve data collection system to ensure accurate reporting, especially on

volunteering hours.

2. Set targets for activity success indicators to guide and improve overall programme activities.

3. Develop and implement strategies to improve volunteer management (recruitment, mobilization, and retention).

4. Develop and implement a volunteer recognition system.

5. Regularly conduct VIVA studies for all Kosrae chapter volunteer projects to guide and improve volunteer management.

2,176 beneficiaries served in 2012total volunteer investment: USD 1,560 or CHF 1,388Expenses per volunteer: USD 43Total volunteer value: USD 2,915 / CHF 2,595VIVA ratio: 2:1Equivalent full time staff for the total number of volunteer hours: 1

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1. IntroductionThe Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) model was developed by Katharine Gaskin1 to highlight the economic value of volunteer work. The model assesses the total value of volunteering by considering the total cost the National Society (NS) spends on its volunteers vis-à-vis the total economic value of the services they have rendered. It gives important information about the cost effectiveness of the project or programme under review.

VIVA was introduced to Micronesia Red Cross Society in October 2012, during the training on Volunteer Development conducted by Alex Torres, volunteering and organizational development delegate of the IFRC Asia-Pacific Zone office. As a result, the MRCS decided to conduct its first value of volunteers study starting with Kosrae chapter. This study highlights the activities undertaken by the volunteers of the Kosrae chapter throughout the year of 2012. These activities were mainly in the areas of HIV youth peer education, first aid, disaster management, and general tasks.

The study shows not only the economic value of volunteers, but also other benefits to the individual volunteer, the chapter, the National Society and persons assisted, Hence the title, “The value of our volunteers.”

I have learned so much and made so many friends ever since I became a Red Cross volunteer. If not for Red Cross, I wouldn’t know how to serve as a skilled volunteer in peer education, first aid, and disaster response. I am grateful not only for myself but also for everyone I have helped. – Jacob Nena Jr., Kosrae Chapter Volunteer

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” Red Cross Youth activity in a school.

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The objectives of the study

1. To illustrate the importance and value of volunteering work in the chapter, showcasing the versatility of volunteers’ roles in all three areas of this study and the cost effectiveness of their services.

2. To provide evidence based recommendations to improve volunteer management in Kosrae Chapter of Micronesia Red Cross Society.




1 http://www.volunteering-gm.org.uk/sites/default/files/VIVA%20second%20edition.pdf

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For more information about the MRCS and its services go to: https://frds.ifrc.org/asiapacific/EN/FM/whoweare/Pages/NSLanding.aspx

Scope and limitations of the VIVA Study

1. A VIVA Study focuses only on the financial value of the work rendered by the volunteers, based on the lowest salary rates of equivalent government staff positions. They did not necessarily consider the quality of the services rendered.

2. The number of volunteering hours reported in this study reflects only what was recorded for each activity. They did not include the hours of preparation required before each activity because these were not recorded. Other activities were also not included due to lack of documentation.

3. The number of beneficiaries reported in this study included only those who were directly assisted and/ documented. Many beneficiaries were not documented due to the overwhelming number of participants and/or participants were frequently moving around, or in and out during the activities.

Micronesia Red Cross Society

The Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) was officially recognized as the National Society for the Federated States of Micronesia on the 15th of June 2000 by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and became the 181st member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in November 2003.

The mission of the MRCS is to prevent and alleviate human suffering by providing assistance to vulnerable people, protecting life, improving health and ensuring respect for human beings. The MRCS performs

these activities with impartiality and independence, to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are met with no discrimination. The MRCS adheres to the seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Photo 1,2 & 3: Chapter volunteers assisting in the pre-positioning of disaster supplies in the chapter containers.

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Micronesia Red Cross Society – Kosrae Chapter

The Kosrae Chapter is located on the island of Kosrae, which is one of the four (4) states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM.) The island of Kosrae is the easternmost state within the country with a land mass of 42 square miles, and a population of a 6,616.

Kosrae has one hospital with limited patient capacity (under 50 beds) and very few staff. There are two ambulance vehicles that service the whole state. Public health prevention and basic services are available at minimum. According to the National Department of Health 2012 annual report, the major causes of deaths and illnesses in Kosrae are largely linked to NCDs mainly with diabetes. In fact, the State of Kosrae has already declared a health crisis in the form of NCDs and lifestyle diseases.

Ever since I joined Kosrae Red Cross chapter as volunteer, I always explain to my friends and family why I do what I do. I tell them that volunteering is all about service to help those in need, and never for personal gain.– Shrue Miako Sahm, MRCS Kosrae Chapter Volunteer

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Photo 1 &2: Youth peer educators conducting HIV awareness outreach at Lelu town hall.

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Kosrae is well known in the FSM for its customs and culture being largely influenced by the protestant church. Over 90% of the population is protestant with a collective 10% minority population of other Christian denominations. The Kosrae chapter office has one staff who is the focal person and coordinator of all chapter programmes and activities. The chapter is also locally led by an advisory board that serves as a governing body to assist with decision making and advocacy to the local government and leadership. The chapter has more than 80 registered volunteers, 20 of whom are active each month.

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MRCS Kosrae Chapter volunteer programme

The MRCS chapter volunteer programme in its current form was established in 2005 beginning with HIV youth peer education training. Several refresher trainings took place during the years 2005-2008 as some HIV youth peer educators (YPEs) start to migrate out of Kosrae. The remaining YPEs teamed up with other volunteers in the first aid and disaster response training programmess to form what is now simply referred to as the MRCS Kosrae chapter volunteer programme. Throughout 2008-2011 the volunteer programme has developed a good number of volunteers who were trained on peer education, first aid, and disaster response and can be mobilized anytime the need arises.

In 2012, a total of 36 trained volunteers were mobilized to respond to various needs in the areas HIV peer education, first aid and disaster. The MRCS volunteer team does not have a regular activity schedule. They are mobilized only when requested by the community or when assistance is urgently needed. In 2012 the 36 volunteers have directly reached a total of 2,176 beneficiaries through 41 events. Indirectly, the volunteers reached over 5,000 people. The volunteers had cumulatively rendered 935.5 volunteering hours.

The MRCS Kosrae chapter volunteers were trained on three main areas, namely; HIV youth peer education, first aid, and disaster response. However, they also help in general labour and office administration as requested and whenever they are available.

Kosrae chapter disaster response team in training.

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Volunteer roles and responsibilities

1. HIV youth peer education a. Conduct community outreach to raise public awareness on HIV and STIs b. Conduct peer to peer outreach to youth in the community c. Disseminate information and distribute condoms d. Assist the Kosrae State HIV Program in planning and implementing awareness

projects

2. First aid a. Provide first aid in the community during emergencies b. Serve as members of the Emergency Rescue Team during community sports

events c. Assist first aid trainers in building community first aid capacity

3. Disaster response a. Respond to disasters in the community b. Attend trainings and drills for disaster response c. Assist the Kosrae State disaster committee in planning

4. General services a. General works and maintenance of chapter office building b. Maintenance of the chapter disaster preparedness container c. Transporting heavy equipment and supplies

5. Office administration a. Handle all office communications in the absence of the chapter coordinator b. Mobilize and manage volunteers and activities c. Represent the Kosrae chapter to partnership meetings or events in the absence

of chapter staff

Photo 1 & 2: Youth outreach participants performing drama (role playing activity) during Volunteer Outreach in the community.

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2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit A. Total volunteer investment

Category of Expenditure

Cost DetailAmount

(Currency)%

FoodExpenses on meals / snacks provided to volunteers

800.00 55%

TransportationTaxi or fuel expenses made needed to fulfill their duties

700.00 45%

Supplies Information Dissemination materials 60.00 0%

TOTAL 1,560.00 100%

Inordertocarryoutallvolunteeractivitiesin2012,asumofUSD1,560wasutilized.This amount was used for the support costs necessary for volunteers to carry out their services including taxi transportation, supplies, and in some cases meals. These expenses were incurred by the Kosrae chapter only as a result of having to mobilize volunteers. The three categories of volunteer support costs were identified based on activity reports under the volunteer programme. These expenses were incurred based on the type, time, duration, or work load that was required by each activity. Table 1. Total volunteer investment in 2012

Photo 1 & 2: MRCS – Kosrae Chapter volunteers conducting education sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention.

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Volunteers doing a community hazard map.

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Food

Food expenses included meals, snacks, and drinks that were purchased for the volunteers depending on the time or duration of the tasks. In some cases, a small allowance was issued instead of the actual meal. These expenses were most commonly incurred during the HIV peer education activities and general labour activities. For the first aid and disaster response training activities, food expenses were covered by the government or the community visited. Transportation

Transportation expenses included taxi fares and in some cases fuel. Taxi fares were incurred by the volunteers on their way to and from the office to do assigned tasks. The office then transported the volunteers to complete the tasks. The fuel expense was also incurred when volunteers used their own vehicles to complete volunteer tasks. This expense category was common in almost all activities.

Supplies

Supplies included Information dissemination materials and/or any other items required to complete volunteer tasks. Other supplies also included FA supplies and proper protective equipment. For the year 2012, only information dissemination materials were expended, such as printed brochures, flyers, and information sheets. The information dissemination materials were mainly used in HIV peer education activities.

Volunteers preparing list of beneficiaries for relief distribution.

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B. Total volunteer value

This section analyses the functions carried out by volunteers and time spent on each activity, and matches it to the equivalent paid work at the market wage. This produces an estimated amount of what the National Society would need to pay if it were hiring staff to carry out the same work. The table below presents the equivalent positions or paid jobs a volunteer is doing during the course of their duties:

Table 2. Total Volunteer Value

In order to accurately compute the value of work rendered by the programme, equivalent staff positions in the government were identified by the Kosrae State Office of Personnel to fairly compare the reported tasks without bias. Also, in order to eliminate any issues in measuring the quality of work carried out, this study compares the volunteer value with the lowest rates in each equivalent staff positions.

Title / RoleEquivalent Paid Job in the Kosrae State Government

Hourly Wage Rate

# of Hours/

year

Total Volunteer

Value 2012

Youth Peer Educator Health Educator $4.80 188.5 $ 904.80

First aid Nurse $3.00 318 $ 954.00

Disater Responder Police Officer $2.20 248 $ 545.60

General Labor Public Works Level 1 Laborer $1.66 103 $ 170.98

Chapter office Administration

Chapter Coordinator $4.38 80 $ 350.40

TOTAL $ 2,925.78

$ = US dollar

Kosrae Red Cross Chapter participates in the 2012 World AIDS Day celebrations.

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Health educator

With no HIV peer educator employed in the government, the office of personnel identified health educator as the equivalent staff position in the government. The lowestrateforhealtheducatorinKosraeisUSD4.80perhour.

Nurse

In Kosrae there are no paid paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMT). The office of personnel identified nurse as the equivalent staff position with our first aid volunteers because they are the only paid staffs that perform the same tasks as a paramedicorEMT.ThelowestpayratefornursesinKosraeisatUSD3.00perhour.

Police officer

In any disasters or emergencies, the government does not have any paid disaster response workers or even firemen. The equivalent staff position to our disaster response volunteer in Kosrae is a police officer. The lowest pay rate for police officer isUSD2.20perhour.

Public works level 1 labourer

The volunteer role as general labour includes minor construction, building maintenance, general clean up, equipment and supplies transportation, and repair work. The Kosrae office of personnel identified the Public Works Level 1 Labourer as theequivalentstaffpositionwiththerateofUSD1.66perhour.

Photo 1, 2, 3, & 4 (clockwise): Public health awareness campaigns.

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Role playing in a training.

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D. Total number of volunteer hours

In determining the total number of volunteer hours, we reviewed the mobilization of volunteers and started computing for their time rendered volunteering. Though the process is challenging, we arrived at a fair conclusion that the total number of volunteering hours rendered by our volunteers is 935.5 hours.

Using the values obtained during the VIVA exercise, we can reach the following calculation:

VIVAratio = USD2,925.78 USD1,560

= 2:1

VIVA ratio = Total volunteer value Total volunteer investment

C. The VIVA ratio

The VIVA ratio is computed using the formula:

TheVIVAratiocalculationmeansthatforeveryoneUSDollarspentoneachvolunteertheKosraeChapterreceivedapproximatelytwoUSDollars’worthofservicesfromeach volunteer.

Clockwise:

1. Volunteers en route to conduct outreach in the remote community of Walung.

2. Volunteer conducting outreach presentation to Walung Community.

3. Walung community appreciating outreach through song.

4 & 5. Volunteers conducting question and answering sessions after outreach presentations.

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Equivalent full time staff = Total volunteer hours/ 32 hours per week 48 weeks per year

= (935.5 hours / 32) 48

= 0.61 or 1 staff (round up)

E. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteer hours

In order to carry out the work of the 36 volunteers, the branch would need the equivalent of 1 full time personnel, based on Kosrae State’s 32 hours maximum per week. This was computed as follows:

Photo 1, 2, 3, 4 % 5 (clockwise): Volunteers facilitating a community awareness session on HIV/AIDS and other health subjects

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F. Per capita costs and contributions

The following shows the calculations on hours, value and expenditure for each Kosrae chapter volunteer

Per capita hours = Total number of volunteer hours Total number of volunteers

= 935.5 36

= 26 hours per volunteer

Per capita expenditure = Total volunteer investment Total number of volunteers

= 1,560 36

= USD43pervolunteer

Per capita value = Total volunteer value Total number of volunteers

= 2,925.78 36

= USD81pervolunteer

The above computations show that per capita, the chapter invests USD43.33 tosupport each volunteer. Each volunteer provides 26 hours of his/her time and the servicerenderedisvaluedatUSD81.00pervolunteer.ThisshowsthatthereisaUSD37.67 return in services by each volunteer. With the small operation budget of the chapter, and very few hours from the volunteers, this amount has a significantly high impact on the volunteer management programme.

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Photo 1 & 2: A volunteer supports the general administration of the Kosrae Chapter.

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3. Other findings

Key issues

– During the course of the study, volunteers have raised several issues regarding volunteer recognition, volunteer retention, communication, reporting and volunteer schedules. The most common concern was the scheduling of activities versus individual schedules. This has proven to be a problem resulting in very few volunteering hours as well as activities. Another key issue shared is gender diversity as there were significantly more male than female volunteers at a ratio of 4:1.

Community support

– The volunteer programme has generated a lot of community support working with key partners such as schools and community leaders. These partnerships significantly raise the level of MRCS visibility in the community.

Off duty accomplishments

– There were many accomplishments aside from volunteer duties. These accomplishments range from being selected for employment, trainings, or community task forces, to responding to emergencies in the community.

Under-reporting

– Although, there were many, the most significant challenge encountered during this study was underreporting. Many of the activities had inadequate data which makes it difficult to compare and compile information.

As a mother, I am very grateful to the Red Cross volunteer who saved my child. We live far from the hospital and we were fortunate he was there just in time.– Notwe N. Tilfas, Utwe resident

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4. Conclusion This VIVA study shows that the Micronesia Red Cross Society Kosrae chapter volunteers have contributed 935.5 hours equivalent to one full time paid staff. With the limited operations budget of the chapter, the 36 volunteers contributed significant assistance to the chapter’s only staff.

In 2012 the Kosrae chapter volunteers have assisted at least 2,176 people, equivalent to one third of Kosrae Island’s total population. The study also reveals that for every dollarspentonsupportingthevolunteers,thechapterreceivedbacktwoUSDollars’worth of services from each volunteer..

The Kosrae chapter volunteers continue to perform their duties while seeking to improve on their skills. Hopefully, as a result of this study, the entire volunteer management system of the Kosrae chapter will significantly improve. The chapter aims to do more and do better.

5. Recommendations

1. Improve data collection system to ensure accurate reflection of activities and volunteer hours. Develop reporting templates for all activity types.

2. Develop and Implement a volunteer recognition system. Include volunteer recognition in the community, school, and public events such as graduations and community celebrations. Develop and implement strategies to improve volunteer management. Increase recruitment, create mobilization opportunities, and develop retention activities.

3. Regularly conduct VIVA studies for all Kosrae chapter volunteer projects to celebrate the accomplishments of volunteers and further inform volunteering development initiatives. and improve volunteer management.

About the authorHans SkillingHans Skilling is the Youth Peer Education Coordinator and also the Coordinator of Micronesia Red Cross – Kosrae Chapter. He participated in the volunteer development training in Pohnpei in 2012 when the idea of a value of volunteers study was introduced. Hans volunteered to conduct a study for the Emergency Volunteer Program of Kosrae Chapter of the Micronesia Red Cross Society.

Hans is 29 years old and started with the Kosrae Chapter in 2005 as youth peer educator. This study was technically supported by Alex Torres, volunteering and organizational development delegate at the IFRC Asia Pacific Zone office and Lloyd Sapla of the Philippine Red Cross – Quezon City Chapter who is a member of the pool of value of volunteer authors.

Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality In order to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

For further information, please contact:

Micronesia Red Cross Society

National Headquarters P.O. Box 2405 Kolonia Pohnpei FM 96941

Tel: + (691) (320) 7077) Fax: + (691) (320) 6531) Email: [email protected]

International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies Asia Pacific Zone

ODVolunteeringandYouthUnitThe Ampwalk, Suite 10.02 (North Block)218 Jalan Ampang50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies

PO BOX 372CH-1211 Geneva 19SWITZERLAND

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the value of our volunteers · ” red cross youth activity in a school. mrcs mrcs the objectives...

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