The value of our volunteers...Executive summary 2 1. Introduction 3 Objectives of the study 3 Philippine Red Cross 4 Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter 4 2013 Chapter highlights 5 Red Cross

The value of our volunteersA Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the Red Cross 143 volunteers Philippine Red Cross | Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter

by Vic Jay Gonzal, MPA Chapter Administrator

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Jonas P. Maco Chapter Service Representative for Volunteer Service/Red Cross Youth

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 photos: Volunteers of PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter participates in a mangrove planting project. The urban chapter is located in the island of Mactan in central Philippines. by Philippines Red Cross – Lapu-Lapu/Cordova 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 Red Cross 143 volunteers

Philippine Red Cross | Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter

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Table of contents Executive summary 2

1. Introduction 3

Objectives of the study 3

Philippine Red Cross 4

Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter 4

2013 Chapter highlights 5

Red Cross Youth 143 volunteers 6

2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit 7

A. Total volunteer investment 7

B. Total volunteer value 9

C. The viva ratio 10

D. Total number of volunteer hours 10

E. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteer hours 10

F. Per capita costs and contributions 11

3. Other findings 11

4. Conclusion 12

5. Recommendations 12

List of tables

Table 1: Total volunteer investment, January to December 2013 7

Table 2: Total volunteer value, January to December 2013 9

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The value of our volunteers A Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the Red Cross 143 volunteers Philippine Red Cross | Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter

Executive summaryThis Volunteer Investment Value Audit (VIVA) study focuses on the key roles played by the Red Cross 143 volunteers in turning Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter, a new-born chapter of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), into a dynamic full-fledged chapter in a span of five years. Red Cross 143 is a flagship volunteer programme of PRC which aims to have 44 trained volunteers (one team leader and 43 members) in every village to serve as humanitarian soldiers on the ground, especially in times of disasters and other emergencies. The study highlights, in particular, the economic value of 50 Red Cross 143 volunteers vis-à-vis the services they have rendered for the period from January to December 2013.

Lapu-Lapu City/Cordova Red Cross chapter was established in 2008. It is located in a highly urbanized city of Lapu-Lapu covering a total of 43 villages (local term barangay) – 30 villages in Lapu-Lapu City and 13 in the municipality of Cordova, Cebu.

Key findings

• Totalnumberofbeneficiariesreachedin2013:74,300• TotalnumberofRedCross143volunteersinvolvedinthis

study: 50• Totalvolunteeringhoursspent:33,833hours• Numberoffulltimepaidstaffequivalentwiththetotal

volunteering hours: 18• Totalvolunteerinvestment:PHP(Philippinepeso)131,500.00• Investmentpervolunteer:PHP2,630.00• Totalvolunteervalue:PHP1,159,294.00• Valuepervolunteer:PHP23,186.00• VIVAratio:9:1,meaningthatforeachonepesoinvestedinvolunteers,PRC-Lapu-Lapu/

Cordova Chapter receives 9 pesos worth of services rendered by the volunteers.

This study recommends1. Strengthen volunteer management especially in the planning, recruitment, monitoring,

mobilization, retention and reporting of volunteer involvement in the chapter. Full use of the Resource Management System (RMS) will be useful in conducting this kind of study in the future.

2. Ensure that volunteering development is clearly reflected in the chapter’s annual plan and budget.

3. Provide tools (like newsletter) that will serve as link for information and experience sharing of volunteers and other partners. Document inspiring volunteering practices of Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter.

4. Initiate new programmes that will encourage more active participation of volunteers from all walks of life and create interaction among staff, volunteers and the community.

5. Establish pool of volunteer coordinators to support the staff.

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74,300 beneficiaries reached in 2013Investment: PHP 131,500.00 / CHF 2,633Expenses per volunteer: PHP 2,630.00 / CHF 53Total volunteer value: PHP 1,159,294 / CHF 23,220Full time staff equivalent: 18VIVA ratio: 9:1Equivalent full time staff for the total number of volunteer hours: 18



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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.

Apart from the economic value of volunteers, the IFRC study authors included in this study the other contributions that volunteering has brought to the individual volunteer, the beneficiaries, the branches and the National Society. We have included quotes from volunteers and beneficiaries, as well as factual data on services renderedand persons assisted, where possible. Hence, we have a more encompassing title, “The value of our volunteers.”

As indicated in the above key findings, the big economic value (nine times double the investment) based on long volunteering hours spent by 50 Red Cross 143 volunteers during the year under review is highly remarkable and contributed significantly to

Red Cross is an education. In Red Cross we LEARN through different trainings and interaction with different people. We develop our passion and compassion to help others. We become more responsible human beings as we find satisfaction and fulfillment in serving humanity. I AM PROUD TO BE A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER.

– Joseph C. Bacalso, Youth Volunteer

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the fast development of the chapter. The well-trained and strongly motivated volunteers were also deployed to other neighbouring chapters to help in times of big disasters, such as during the big earthquake in Bohol in October and super typhoon Haiyan in Central Visayas in November, both in 2013. The high visibility of the volunteers on the ground not only in times of calamities but also in times of celebration, proved once again that the Philippine Red Cross is, indeed, the leading voluntary humanitarian organisation in the country.

Objectives of the study

1. Determine the economic value of PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter volunteers.

2. Share good practices of the chapter in volunteer management, especially in terms of motivation, training, mobilization and retention.

Youth Involvement in the chapter activities.

PRC

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

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For more information about the PRC and its services go to www.redcross.org.ph

Philippine Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) was created on April 15, 1947 through Republic Act 95 (now RA 10072). It serves as an auxiliary arm of the government in the humanitarian field through its network of 100 chapters and sub-chapters across the country. The PRC carries out six basic services, namely; disaster management services, blood services,

safety services, community health and nursing services, social services, and volunteer and youth development. The PRC is governed by a Board of Governors composed of 30 members. Management is headed by the secretary general and supported by the executive staff. Each chapter has its own Board of Directors with the chapter administrator as head of the management staff. Chapters of the Philippine Red Cross are categorized as Class A, B, C, and D, with A being the highest.

Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter

Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross was established on 14th of January 2008, first as a sub-chapter of Cebu City Red Cross chapter, and later during the same year, was officially recognized and accredited by the local government of Lapu-Lapu City and gained approval from the PRC Headquarters as a full pledged chapter due to the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the chapter Governing Board, management staff, volunteers and the community. The recognition has further motivated the chapter to work doubly hard expanding its network, mobilizing all possible resources, recruiting and training more volunteers and reaching out to the communities, including those in far-flung areas and island villages. This gained more support and recognition from various stakeholders including those from business sectors, government and non-government organisations and the media.

Volunteer response to the Yolanda victims. Volunteers first aid training.

PRC

PRC

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Five years on since then, Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Red Cross chapter has developed into a well-functioning chapter, providing disaster management services, emergency response, safety services, health and welfare services and volunteer and youth development programmes to all the 43 villages it covers. Working together as a team for the continuing improvement of the chapter are 16 members of the Governing Board, six regular staff, four local government detailed staff, and a pool of well-trained Red Cross 143 volunteers with the full support of the community and other stakeholders.

2013 Chapter highlights

Chapter milestones in 2013 were as follows:• Celebrationofthechapter5thYearAnniversaryhighlightedbytheinductionof

new members of the Governing Board

• ParticipationinRedCrossspecialeventsnamely:the2ndPRCnationwideMillionVolunteer Run “Run to Save Lives” in February, the 66th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Red Cross on April 15, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8, Red Cross 143 Marathon for Humanity in July, International Humanitarian Law Day on August 12

• AdonationofPHP2millionbythecitygovernmentofLapu-LapuCity

• RecognitionofthemostactiveRedCrossYouthSchoolCouncils,holdingofthe4th batch Red Cross Youth summer camp, and hosting of the 18th National Youth Congress in October with Red Cross 143 youth volunteers from all over the Philippines participating

Youth involvement on the PSP at the Yolanda victims.

PRC

• Endorsement of the Department ofEducation, Lapu-Lapu City Division for the organisation/re-organisation of RCY Council/Club at all school levels (private and public schools), PRC membership drive and Red Cross Youth calendar of activities for the year 2013-2014

• Deployment of chapter volunteers whenthe 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Bohol in October and when super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated Central Visayas in November, both in 2013. The volunteers provided emergency response and relief aid to the families affected by both disasters and organised special fund drive activities for the disaster-stricken families

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• Holdingofthe1st“CelebratingLifeinAction”projectthroughgift-givingtothecommunity in three far-flung islands

• ChapterAnnualVolunteers’ Night and Recognition Ceremony for outstandingvolunteers

Red Cross Youth 143 volunteers

Since the establishment of PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter five years ago, Red Cross 143 volunteers have always been its strong and effective partners in providing humanitarian services to the most vulnerable, recruiting and training more volunteers and in raising funds. Their energy is endless and their passion for volunteering work to help others is incredibly high. After school and whenever they have free time, they work without letup either in the field or in the chapter – brainstorming on innovative fund campaign activities and volunteer recruitment strategy, especially for the youth, or, they practice their life-saving skills among themselves. Whenever and wherever there is disaster, RCY 143 volunteers come in droves and offer their services unmindful of the risks they have to take. Red Cross 143 volunteers are the backbone of the chapter. For Red Cross 143 volunteers, no distance is too far that cannot be reached, no humanitarian mission is impossible that cannot be accomplished. Red Cross 143 volunteers have made Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter what it is today – a pride of the Philippine Red Cross.

BD

RC

S

PRC

PRC

PRC

Volunteers involvement in special events (Fun Run). Youth Volunteer on Feeding.

Youth participations in the Mangrove Planting.

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

Table 1. Total volunteer investment, January – December 2013

The total volunteer investment shows all the expenses associated with having volunteers. It must be emphasized that these expenses were incurred by PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter because of the presence of the Red Cross Youth 143 volunteers. If there were no volunteers, the chapter will not be incurring these expenses.

Meals

It has the highest percentage in budget plan because, first, we do not want our volunteer to spend their own money for their meals, a way of showing our gratitude for their volunteerism. Second, no one can work effectively with an empty stomach.

Travel

Support for local travel of volunteers in the performance of their volunteering work in the field enabled them to move fast reaching more beneficiaries.

Equipment provided for volunteers

This item included training materials for the instructors and participants and cost for hiring of audio -visual equipment, as required.

Category of Expenditure

Cost Detail Amount PHP %

FoodExpenses on meals / snacks provided to volunteers for official operations/activities

89,000 67.7%

TransportationTravel expenses made by volunteers to fulfill their duties.

10,000.00 7.6%

Equipment Equipment provided to volunteers 10,000.00 7.6%

Training ExpensesExpenses incurred for the technical trainings of volunteers as part of capacity building.

10,000.00 7.6%

AccommodationAccommodation for volunteers when they are mobilized

7,500.00 5.7%

Awards & Recognition

Volunteers Awards, Tokens, Gifts, souvenirs 5,000.00 3.8%

TOTAL 131,500.00 100%

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Expenses incurred for the technical trainings for the volunteers

Expenses related to enhancement training provided to volunteers for their further development.

Accommodation for volunteers when they are mobilized

This included accommodation of volunteers when deployed in the field.

Volunteer’s awards, tokens, gifts and souvenirs

In recognition and appreciation of volunteers’ hard work and dedication to Red Cross, the chapter gives awards, tokens and gifts during special occasions such as during Chapter Anniversary celebration, Philippine Red Cross Anniversary and International Volunteers’ Day. This gesture is well appreciated by volunteers who are prompted solely by a desire to help.

Note: Volunteers organise special fund-raising events to finance their activities. Thus, the Red Cross Youth & Volunteer service does not depend on regular allocated budget but on voluntary donations, direct & indirect solicitation, sponsorship, pledges, etc.

PRC

Youth participation in the Leadership Development Program with the Board.

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Title / RoleEquivalent Paid Job

Hourly Wage Rate

# of Hours in each role (181

volunteers)

Total Volunteer Value (PHP)

Admin AssistantAdmin Assistant

46.88 72 3375.36

Clerk/Encoder Clerk 46.88 180 8438.4

Disseminator Teacher 83.33 290 24165.7

Driver Driver 40.96 186 7618.56

Facilitator Teacher 83.33 3,462 288488.5

First Aider First Aider 50 1,290 64500

General Services CSR/Staff 46.88 5,478 256808.6

Instructor Teacher 83.33 3,575 297904.8

Logistic Officer Logistic Officer 46.88 536 25127.68

Nurse Nurse 50 50 2500

Operation CenterOperation Officer

46.88 1,704 79883.52

Photographer Photographer 200 62 12400

Project Officer Project Officer 46.88 390 18283.2

Relief Worker Social Worker 40 1,745 69800

TOTAL 19,020 1,159,294

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Table 2. Total volunteer value, January to December 2013

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 – what PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter would need to pay if it were hiring staff to carry out the same work.

Youth participation on the Mangrove Planting. Youth participations to the Leadership Development Program.

PRC

PRC

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In determining the total number of volunteer hours, we reviewed the logbook where volunteers register whenever they visit the chapter. In 2013, our volunteers rendered a total of 19,020 hours. The consolidation of time rendered volunteering was challenging and this could be an area where the chapter can improve significantly.

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

In order to carry out the work of the RCY 143 chapter based volunteers, the chapter would need 18 full time personnel. This was computed as follows:

Equivalent full time staff = Total volunteer hours/ 40 hours per week 48 weeks per year

= (33,833/40) 48

= 845.825/48 = 17.621 = 18

Total number of volunteers 50

Total number of volunteering hours rendered 19,020

The VIVA ratio calculation means that for every one peso spent for each RCY 143 volunteer, the chapter received nine pesos worth of services rendered by the volunteers.

D. Total number of volunteer hours

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

VIVA ratio = 1,159,294 131,500.00

= = 9:1

VIVA ratio = Total volunteer value Total volunteer investment

C. The VIVA ratio

The VIVA ratio is computed using the formula:

Youth Volunteers on Recruitment.

PRC

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F. Per capita costs and contributions

Calculations on the hours, value and expenditure for each RCY 143 volunteer

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

= 33,833 50

= 676.66 hours per volunteer

Per capita expenditure = Total volunteer investment Total number of volunteers

= 131,500.00 50

= PHP 2,630.00

Per capita value = Total volunteer value Total number of volunteers

= 1,159,294.00 50

= PHP 23,186.00 per Volunteer

3. Other findings• TheRedCrossYouth143volunteersmadeadifference

in 2013. They contributed significantly to the success of service delivery and fund generation. They were self-reliant and did not depend on the chapter for their budgetary need.

Challenges encountered in doing this study

• Consolidation of volunteering hours rendered by volunteers due to poor recording.

• Reportingofvolunteersgoodpractices,

• Determining the expenses incurred for volunteersbecame challenging and time consuming because the finance system does not clearly disaggregate this.

Working with the staff and volunteers in the PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter is a privilege for me. They all work tirelessly and selflessly to help improve their community and to serve those who are less fortunate. They are warm, friendly and helpful. We work together on chapter development projects and they share with me best practices on volunteering.

– Amber Cottrell, Jury, Australian Volunteer

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4. ConclusionThe Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) shows how important it is to have a pool of volunteers with commitment and dedication to carry out the mission and vision of the National Society. Utmost respect and appreciation must be given to every volunteer for continuing partnership with them. They should also be provided with proper skills training so they can do better, prevent more suffering and save more lives.

This study also shows that every National Society should invest on volunteers by providing them all possible opportunities to do volunteer work and recognizing their contribution. Volunteers are priceless and no amount of money can compensate their passion to serve humanity. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement started with volunteers wanting to help the wounded in the battlefield. Today, with the growing humanitarian challenges, Red Cross can only alleviate and prevent human suffering with the help of volunteers.

5. Recommendations

1. Strengthen volunteer management especially in the planning, recruitment, monitoring, mobilization, retention and reporting of volunteer involvement in the chapter. Full use of the Resource Management System (RMS) will be useful in conducting this kind of study in the future.

2. Ensure that volunteering development is clearly reflected in the chapter’s annual plan and budget.

3. Provide tools (like newsletter) that will serve as link for information and experience sharing of volunteers and other partners. Document inspiring volunteering practices of Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter.

4. Initiate new programmes that will encourage more active participation of volunteers from all walks of life and create interaction among staff, volunteers and the community.

5. Establish pool of volunteer coordinators to support the staff.

About the authorsVic Jay Gonzal, MPAVic Jay is the current Chapter Administrator of the Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross. He started as a youth volunteerand later on joined the Philippine Red Cross as a staff at the Red Cross Youth Department.

Jonas P. MacoJonas Maco is Chapter Service Representative of the Lapu Lapu/Cordova Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross. He started as a volunteer and later joined the chapter as a staff. He was recently appointed as in charge of Southern Leyte Chapter of PRC.

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:

Philippine Red Cross

Bonifacio Drive, Port AreaPO Box 2802803 Manila

Tel: (63) (2) 527 0000 / 527 0856 / 527 0866Fax: (63) (2) 527 0857 / 525 5787Email: [email protected]: www.redcross.org.ph

International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies Asia Pacific Zone

OD Volunteering and Youth UnitThe 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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Documents

The value of our volunteers...Executive summary 2 1. Introduction 3 Objectives of the study 3 Philippine Red Cross 4 Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter 4 2013 Chapter highlights 5 Red Cross