3
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on
the social care services to the most vulnerable people
Mongolian Red Cross Society
by
Oyu Baatar
Social Care and Volunteer Program Manager
Mongolia Red Cross Society
Nicholas Madgwick
Australian Volunteer for International
Development for Social Care program
Mongolia Red Cross Society
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 secretariat@ifrc.org
All photos used in this study are copyright of the IFRC
unless otherwise indicated.
Cover photo: Mongolian Red Cross Society
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: OD.asiapacific@ifrc.org
P.O. Box 372
CH-1211 Geneva 19
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 730 4222
Telefax: +41 22 733 0395
E-mail: secretariat@ifrc.org
Web 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 social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Table of contents
Executive summary
2
1. Introduction
4
Objectives of the study
4
The Mongolian Red Cross Society
5
MRCS volunteer programme
5
Volunteer training includes
6
The Project: Delivery of social services to the most vulnerable people
6
Main activities of the project
6
Community-based social care centres
7
Social care centre activities
7
Profile of MRCS implementing branches
8
2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit
A. Total volunteer investment
9
9
B. Total volunteer value
10
C. The VIVA ratio
12
D. Total number of volunteering hours
12
E. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteering hours
13
F. Per capita costs and contributions
13
3. Other findings
15
4. Conclusion
16
5. Recommendations
16
List of tables
Table 1: Total volunteer investment in the delivery of social services to the most vulnerable people in 2012
9
Table 2: Total volunteer value
10
Table 3: Total number of volunteering hours rendered by volunteers
12
1
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Executive summary
This is the second Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study conducted
by the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS). This second study was inspired by the
result of the first value of volunteers study on the same project (covering the British
funded project only) conducted in 2011 which showed clearly, among others, the
economic value of volunteers and other contribution to the National Society. This
current study has increased its scope, now including the community-based social
care project funded by the Finnish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This study covers the social care projects
in Darkhan-uul and Selenge provinces, Baganuur and Nalaikh district Red Cross
branches, Tuv, Khuvsgul and Uvurkhangai province Red Cross branches.
Objectives of the study
1. Determine the economic value of volunteers
from two different social care projects.
2. Review volunteer output from two different
social care projects.
3.Provide recommendations to improve the
volunteer management system of MRCS.
Key findings
1,725 beneficiaries reached in 2012
Investment: MNT 65.5 million or
CHF36,113
Total volunteer value: MNT
464,662,172 or CHF 256,137
Total number of volunteer hours:
162,315
VIVA ratio: 7:1
Equivalent full time staff for the total
number of volunteer hours: 84
1. Total number of beneficiaries reached: 1,725
2. Total number of volunteers mobilized: 575
3. Total number of volunteering hours spent: 162,315 hours
4. Number of volunteering hours spent by each volunteer: 377 hours
5. Number of full time paid staff needed for the total volunteering hours spent: 84
6. Total volunteer investment: MNT (Mongolian tugrik) 65.5 million or CHF (Swiss
francs) 36,113
7. Total volunteer value: MNT 464,662,172 or CHF 256,137
8. Viva ratio: 7:1, meaning that for every MNT 1 spent for each volunteer, MRCS
received MNT 7 worth of services rendered by each volunteer
2
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
This study recommends
a. Results of the VIVA study should be shared with the staff and volunteers of MRCS,
including Darkhan-uul and Selenge provinces, Baganuur and Nalaikh district Red
Cross branches, Tuv, Khuvsgul and Uvurkhangai province Red Cross branches
so they can appreciate better the economic and social value of volunteers and
participate more actively in volunteer recruitment, motivation and retention.
b. Share the results of VIVA study as well with local authorities in the project sites to
strengthen partnership between MRCS and local government units, especially in
terms of volunteer mobilization.
c. Update and strengthen volunteering policy (data base system, management and
development).
MRCS
d. Conduct VIVA study on other projects.
Nalaikh branch volunteers are building a ger for homeless beneficiaries
3
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
1.Introduction
The 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.
On top of the economic value of volunteers, the IFRC study authors included in this
study other volunteering benefits to the individual volunteers, the beneficiaries, the
branches and the National Society. These were attested by selected quotes from
volunteers and beneficiaries, as well as some data on services rendered and persons
assisted. Hence, we have a more encompassing title, “The value of our volunteers.”
This is the second VIVA study conducted by the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS).
This was inspired by the result of the first study on the British Red Cross Society funded
social care project conducted in 2011 which highlighted the economic value and other
contributions of volunteers to the branches and the National Society. This current
study has increased its scope, now including the community-based social care project
funded by the Finnish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This study covers the social care projects in Darkhanuul and Selenge provinces, Baganuur and Nalaikh district Red Cross branches.
Objectives of the study
1. Determine the economic value of volunteers from two different social care projects.
2. Review volunteer outputs from the different social care projects.
3. Provide recommendations to improve the volunteer management system of MRCS.
“
I joined Baganuur district RC branch as volunteer in 2004 in gratitude for the benefits I
received from the branch social care project. Since then, I have been working as a volunteer
in the construction of the dairy farm and helping in the maintenance of green garden and
social care centre. Now, I am a member of the branch self-support group and have started
earning monthly income which I use for my kids. My health condition has improved a lot
since I joined Red Cross. I would like to thank the Baganuur district RC branch and its staff
for motivating me to volunteer. I thank them especially for awarding me with “The Best
Volunteer” medal. I am proud and happy to be a volunteer of Baganuur district RC branch
which really helps the most vulnerable people in need...
– B Surenkholoo, 59 years old.
4
”
1http://www.volunteering-gm.org.uk/sites/default/files/VIVA%20second%20edition.pdf
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
The Mongolian Red Cross Society
For more
information about
the MRSC, visit
The Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) was established in 1939
as a voluntary organisation with the purpose of delivering lifewww.redcross.mn
saving services to the Mongolian population, guided by the Seven
Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
As an auxiliary to the Mongolian Government, it promotes the respect and adherence
to the principles, norms and visions of International Humanitarian Law (the Geneva
Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols). Furthermore, it provides
support to the government’s humanitarian policy, whilst remaining a self-governing
humanitarian organisation serving the people of Mongolia.
The MRCS Five-Year Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 seeks to provide an open, equal and
accessible high quality services.
The goals of the Mongolian Red Cross Society
• Strengthen the public participation, capacity and influence in the disaster
prevention and rehabilitation activities
•
Promote healthy and safety lifestyles through health education programmes
• Promote the international humanitarian law and be actively involved in the
establishment and development of a peaceful and humane society
• Strengthen cooperation with the International Federation of the Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies, International Committee of the Red Cross and National
Societies
The Mongolian Red Cross Society has policies
and procedures for volunteer recruitment
which provides equal opportunities for all
who want to volunteer. Volunteers are the
work force of the National Society. They share
their time, talents and skills to serve people
in need without expecting anything in return.
MRCS provides training to all volunteers to
hone their life-saving skills and ensure that
they act in accordance with the principles
and framework of the organisation. MRCS has
more than 15,000 volunteer nationwide who
are delivering humanitarian activities to most
vulnerable people.
MRCS/Nicolas Madgwick
MRCS volunteer programme
Oyu Baatar (standing in front), social care and volunteer program
manager, gives briefing to volunteers of Darkhan-uul branch
before deploying them to the field.
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Volunteer training includes:
• Orientation about Red Cross and Volunteer
Code of Conduct
• Skills training on community health, home
care for bedridden people, first aid and
psychosocial support
• Skills
training
on
communication,
volunteer management and how to run
income-generating projects
• Vulnerability and capacity assessment
training
MRCS
• Training of trainers
An elderly volunteer of the Mongolian Red Cross shares her
volunteering experience and gives advice to a youth volunteer
who says that he, too, wants to help others and hopes to be a
volunteer for many years like her.
“
I have been a volunteer of the Red Cross
Nalaikh branch for three years. I like
helping people especially those who
are disadvantaged. In Nalaikh there
are many people with disabilities. I
suggest that we assist these people more.
Volunteering for the Mongolian Red Cross
in Nalaikh can be challenging due to
extreme climate in Mongolia. Sometimes
there are snow storms, floods and fires,
but I continue to visit my beneficiaries.
There are also other hazards like wild
dogs. A dog attacked a volunteer not long
ago and she was bitten. We have to be
very careful so we can continue to serve
others.
– Ms. A Gantsetseg, 58 years old.
”
• Advices on legalization and law
The Project: Delivery of social
services to the most vulnerable
people
This study covers year 2012 and is focused
on the project titled: ‘Delivery of social
services to the most vulnerable people’. This
project is being implemented in Darkhan-uul,
Selenge, Baganuur, Nalaikh, Tuv, Khuvsgul
and Uvurkhangai Red Cross branches.
During the year under review, 575 volunteers
working in this project provided services to
1,725 beneficiaries.
Main activities of the project
• Provide basic home care services to the
most vulnerable by chopping fire wood,
collecting coals and water, washing,
cleaning, reading etc.
• Referral to family clinic for free medical
check-up
• Provide health advices
bedridden people
and
for
• Disseminate community-related activities
and information
• Conduct vocational training
6
care
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
• Facilitate government social services and benefits for the most vulnerable
• Provide food, clothes, and hygiene support
• Provide psychosocial support
• Organise social activities for elders who live alone
Community-based social care centres
Additionally, there are social care centres in the community where people,
especially the most vulnerable, can visit and engage in conversation, interaction and
socialization with others, as well as avail of basic education and skills training being
conducted , as required, Social care centres run programmes for different groups
within the community to encourage social interaction and support.
Social care centre activities:
“
• Sharing of health tips and advices
• Workout and other health exercises
•
Meetings and experience sharing
• Games, competitions and other recreational
activities
• Arts, crafts and other skills training
• Storytelling and oral reading
• Psychosocial support activities
MRCS/B. Otgontsetseg
• Other humanitarian activities
I was working as a driver in a public
transportation company when I got ill and
bedridden. Eventually, I lost my job and
my home. For many years, my wife and I
didn’t have a place to stay. Later, we got a
very low paying job and lived in a small
barn which didn’t have any heater. We were
lucky to survive the extremely cold season.
In 2010, a Red Cross volunteer came to us
and registered me as beneficiary. Red Cross
gave us food assistance and psychosocial
support twice or thrice a month. Since then,
my life has changed, That much-needed
support I got from the Red Cross really
encouraged me to become a volunteer. Now,
I’m working as a social care guard and my
wife works as baker at the Red Cross bakery.
I thank Nalaikh RC branch and the British
Red Cross for supporting us. Thank you for
encouraging me and changing my life. You
brought me hope for a bright future.
– L. Bayarkhuu, Nalaikh district RC
volunteer
”
Baganuur RC branch volunteer D. Dolgorjav, 64, helps her client
with disability clean his house.
7
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Profile of MRCS implementing branches
MRCS
Selenge province Red Cross branch
Baganuur district Red cross volunteer
Oyunchimeg is milking the dairy cow.
Selenge Province Red Cross branch has 56 years of servicefilled history with 25 primary level branches, 170 members,
11 committee members and seven paid staff. The branch,
which has a yearly budget of MNT 2,200,000, has its own
building, two social care centres and a 1.5 hectare land. The
branch volunteers are mobilized for provision of health care,
making wool, bead products and gloves, and in organising
self-support groups engaged in income-generating activities
such as dairy farm, pig-raising and planting vegetable.
MRCS
Baganuur district Red Cross
Oyun- Tuv province RC branch volunteer
taking care of children.
Baganuur district Red Cross branch was established in
1983. Since then, it has grown into a well-functioning
branch with professional paid staff, board members and
volunteers and members working together in providing the
most vulnerable responsive social care service and incomegenerating activities such as dairy farm and wool product
shop. The branch has a comfortable office with three rooms
and maintains two social care centres for various Red Cross
activities.
Nalaikh district Red Cross branch
MRCS
Nalaikh district Red Cross branch was established in 1959
on voluntary basis with 300 miners/members. It became
independent in 1989 and acquired its own building in 1993. In
addition, it has two social care centres and income-generating
projects for self-support volunteer groups. Wool product
making and a bakery are major fundraising activities. The
Tuv province RC branch volunteer –
B. Lkhagvasuren with his beneficiary.
branch is well-equipped with internet connection and other
communication lines and has adequate office supplies. The branch is managed by
seven professional paid staff with the support of 150 trained volunteers.
Darkhan-uul province Red Cross branch
Darkhan-uul province Red Cross branch was established in 1964 near the Health Unit.
It became independent in 1989, and acquired its own building in 1993. The branch
has 21 primary level branches, six paid staff, 50 members, nine board members, 120
volunteers, and 45 special members. The branch has two social care centres, youth
development centre, a sewing shop and a bakery that serve as income-generating
projects for volunteers.
8
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit
A. Total volunteer investment
The total volunteer investment was valued at MNT 65.5 million or CHF36,113, A
total of 575 volunteers were mobilized for the project which directly assisted 1,725
beneficiaries. Table 2 illustrates expenses directly incurred on volunteers doing social
care activities. It must be noted that MRCS incurred such expenses because of the
presence of volunteers.
Table 1. Total volunteer investment in the delivery of social services to the
most vulnerable people in 2012
Category of
Expenditure
Cost Detail
Meetings and Peer
Support
Regular volunteer meetings provide peer
support and supervision for further skills
growth and learning
Transportation
Travel expenses incurred by volunteers to fulfill
their duties
Equipment
Amount (MNT)
%
9,656,035
15%
32,742,000
50%
Equipment provided to volunteers
6,798,130
10%
Training Expenses
Expenses incurred for the technical trainings
of volunteers as part of capacity building
8,994 589
14%
Insurance
Insurance for volunteers
890,000
1%
Awards and
Celebration
Awards of recognition for volunteers
Celebration for volunteers on International
Volunteers’ Day.
6,433 730
10%
65, 514, 484
100%
TOTAL
Allowance
A monthly travel allowance of USD 5 enabled volunteers to provide social care
services to beneficiaries who could not access their local social care centres due to
poor health, disability, being a single parent, long travel, or extreme cold weather.
Meetings and peer support
Regular meetings were held to support volunteers from overwhelming psychological
stress and emotional exhaustion. These meetings also provided supervision for
further growth, learning and skills development through sharing of experiences.
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Training
Trainings helped build capacity of volunteers to ensure responsive and effective
service delivery to beneficiaries. Expense included cost of venue, trainers, workbooks
and resources.
Materials and equipment
Volunteers were provided with RC uniform, vests and badges for proper identification,
as well as diary for volunteers, monitoring sheets in the performance of their duties.
Volunteer Insurance
For the cost of only CHF1 per volunteer per year, the volunteers were insured of
immediate assistance in case of emergency in the performance of their duties.
Awards and celebration
Self- support group volunteers from Tuv province RC branch –
sewing gloves for factory workers.
Selenge province RC volunteer – Kh. Ayurded, 71, checks blood
pressure of patient.
MRCS/B. Mergenbayar
Psychosocial support to elders from care center.
Volunteer awards recognize the important
role of volunteers and the appreciation of
the National Society for their contribution.
The yearly International Volunteer’s Day
celebration increases volunteer awareness.
The awards and celebrations made positive
impact on volunteer retention rates, leading
to reduced training cost and more skilled
volunteers.
10
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
B. Total volunteer value
To determine the volunteer value, this study 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 work a volunteer is doing during the
course of their duties:
Table 2. Total volunteer value
Equivalent
Paid Job
Equivalent
hourly wage
in MNT
Total annual value in MNT
(equivalent hourly wage x average
hours provided by each volunteer
in 2012 x 575 volunteers )
Average hours
spent by each
volunteer in 2012
Doctor
4,156
7
16,728,906
Trainer
3,906
41
92,075,109
Teacher
3,906
5
11,228,672
Pscyhologist
2,783
43
68,812,766
Social worker
2,783
39
62,411,578
Nurse
2,783
32
51,209,500
Caregiver
2,783
19
30,405,641
Delivery service
1,200
61
42,090,000
Factory worker
1,200
27
18,630,000
Driver
1,200
3
2,070,000
House helper
1,200
65
44,850,000
Carpenter
1,200
4
2,760,000
Guard
1,200
2
1,380,000
1,200
29
20,010,000
Others (combination
of remaining services)
TOTAL
MNT 464,662,172
MNT=Mongolia Tugrik
Note: hourly wage taken from http://mad-research.com/mongolia/demographic-trends/employment-and-wages/
The total volunteer value is considered to be the cost of the equivalent paid staff
doing the same work done by volunteers and spending the same number of working
hours.
11
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
C. The VIVA ratio
The VIVA ratio is computed using the formula:
VIVA ratio =
Total volunteer value
Total volunteer investment
Using the values obtained during the VIVA exercise, we can reach the following
calculation:
VIVA ratio = 464,662,172
65,514,484
=
=7
7:1
The VIVA ratio calculation means that for every MNT 1 spent on one volunteer,
the Mongolia Red Cross society received MNT 7 worth of services rendered by each
volunteer.
D. Total number of volunteering hours
Table 3. Total number of volunteering hours rendered by volunteers
Total number of volunteers
575
Total number of volunteer hours rendered
162,315 hours
MRCS/Kh. Oyuntsetseg
As presented on the above table, 575 volunteers rendered volunteering services for
the project for a total of 162,315 hours.
Darkhan-uul branch volunteer O. Tserenkhand, 41, conducts home visit and chats with her client as part of her
psychosocial support therapy to the elderly.
12
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
E. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteering hours
In order to carry out the work of the 575 volunteers, the branch would need the
equivalent of 84 full time paid personnel. This was computed as follows:
Equivalent full time staff
=
Total volunteer hours/ 40 hours per week
48 weeks per year
=
(162,315 hours / 40)
48
=
84 staff (round up)
F. Per capita costs and contributions
Calculations on the hours, value and expenditure for each project volunteer.
Per capita hours
=
Total number of volunteer hours
Total number of volunteers
=162,315
575
=
Per capita expenditure
=
282.2 hours per volunteer
Total volunteer investment
Total number of volunteers
=
65,514 484.00
575
=
Per capita value
=
MNT 113,938
Total volunteer value
Total number of volunteers
=464,662,172
575
=
MNT 808,108
13
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
MRCS
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
Experience sharing meeting among BRC and FRC funded project branch staff (Baganuur, Nalaikh, Darkhan-uul, Selenge, Tuv,
Uvurkhangai and Khuvsgul branches).
Uvurkhangai RC branch volunteers – Ts.Enkhtuya 2010-2012,
J. Oyunchimeg – 2009-2012 are providing psychological support
to a beneficiary D. Chimed (from left).
Nalaikh district branch volunteer L. Bayarhuu is
providing food assistance to his beneficiary.
The VIVA study demonstrates the importance of reviewing and evaluating project
showing the effectiveness of volunteerism. Volunteerism is extremely cost effective
and valuable to the local community. Volunteers provide activities and services
equivalent to 84 full time staff that would cost up to MNT 464,662,172 if the services
were paid. The VIVA study further highlights that for every MNT 1 the Mongolian Red
Cross spends on a volunteer, the volunteer provides MNT 7 worth of humanitarian
services and activities to local communities. It has been shown that volunteer
investment for 575 volunteers cost MNT 65,514,484.
The average volunteer provides a total of 282 hours a year volunteering in their local
community. Thus this study demonstrates that volunteerism is cost effective in
providing much needed humanitarian services and activities to local communities.
14
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
3. Other findings
– This project provided income – generating activities for self-support group of
volunteers and beneficiaries.
– “Humanitarian Hero” documentary movie was produced and distributed to all
branches. One day of volunteering was demonstrated in this movie
– This study posed three major challenges due to the large number of volunteers
(575) and the vast geographical distances between seven social care sites.
1. It was not possible to obtain all volunteers yearly hours of humanitarian
activities and services. To overcome these challenges, we interviewed at least
10 per cent (43) of volunteers from the four different sites. The objective was
to collect data and average the results to show the average yearly hours and
average yearly services and activities a volunteer provides. Furthermore, each
site has its own local and unique social political and economic environment,
making it challenging to generalize the hours and activities of social care
programme volunteers.
Home care for bedridden-training.
MRCS
MRCS
2. There were challenges in getting the costs of activities.
Volunteering development training – Oyu B, Social care and
volunteer program manager.
15
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The value of our volunteers
A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services
to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society
4.Conclusion
The VIVA study shows that 575 volunteers spent a total of 162,315 volunteering hours
benefiting 1,725 persons. The total volunteering hours is equivalent to 84 full time
paid staff. The total volunteer investment of MRCS was MNT 65,514,484. The total
volunteer value MRCS received in return from the total volunteering services was
MNT 464,662,172. This means that for every MNT 1 MRCS spent for each social care
volunteer, the National Society received MNT 7 from the services rendered by each
volunteer. The VIVA study clearly proves the enormous contribution of volunteers to
the National Society both in terms of humanitarian and economic values.
5.Recommendations
1. Results of the VIVA study should be shared with the staff and volunteers of MRCS,
including Darkhan-uul and Selenge provinces, Baganuur and Nalaikh district Red
Cross branches so they can appreciate better the economic and social value of
volunteers and participate more actively in volunteer recruitment, motivation
and retention.
2. Share the results of VIVA study as well with local authorities in the project sites to
strengthen partnership between MRCS and local government units, especially in
terms of volunteer mobilization.
3. Update and strengthen volunteering policy (data base system, management and
development).
4. Conduct VIVA study on other projects.
About the authors
Oyu Baatar
Oyu Baatar has worked as the social care and
volunteer programme manager at Mongolian
Red Cross Society since 2008 and is a
member of the AP VIVA team. Her duties as
a programme manager include: supervising,
facilitating and implementing volunteer and
social care project activities across the country, supervising
and building the capacity of 33 branch instructors, staff and
volunteers, ensuring the sustainability of the project, maintaining
social care centre activities, establishing and maintaining close
collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders.
She has conducted VIVA study in 2012 on “Delivery of Social
services to the most vulnerable people” project funded by BRC
and worked with AP VIVA team in conducting VIVA at Nepal Red
Cross Society.
16
Nicholas Madgwick
Nicholas Madgwick is an Australian Red
Cross AVID volunteer for the social care
program within the Mongolian Red Cross
Society. He works as a technical adviser
for psychosocial support and conducts
trainings to HQ and branch staff and
volunteers. He assisted Ms. Oyu with the VIVA study for
“Delivery of social services to the most vulnerable people”
project funded by BRC.
The Fundamental Principles of the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
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.
3
For further information, please contact:
Mongolian Red Cross Society
Karl Marx Avenue Sukhbaatar District
1st Khoroo
Ulaanbaatar 13
Tel: (976) (11) 329 433
Fax: (976) (11) 320 934 / 312 578
Email: redcross@magicnet.mn
Web: www.redcross.mn
International Federation
of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies
Asia Pacific Zone
OD Volunteering and Youth Unit
The Ampwalk, Suite 10.02 (North Block)
218 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
International Federation
of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies
PO BOX 372
CH-1211 Geneva 19
SWITZERLAND