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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 3 Nicholas Madgwick Australian Volunteer for International Development for Social Care program Mongolia Red Cross Society

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The value of our volunteersA Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) study on the social care services to the most vulnerable people Mongolian Red Cross Society

byOyu BaatarSocial Care and Volunteer Program ManagerMongolia Red Cross Society

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Nicholas MadgwickAustralian 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 [email protected]

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: [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 social care services

to the most vulnerable people, Mongolian Red Cross Society

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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 9

A. Total volunteer investment 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 9 to the most vulnerable people in 2012

Table 2: Total volunteer value 10

Table 3: Total number of volunteering hours rendered by volunteers 12

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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

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 study1. 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 findings1. 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

1,725 beneficiaries reached in 2012Investment: MNT 65.5 million or CHF36,113Total volunteer value: MNT 464,662,172 or CHF 256,137Total number of volunteer hours: 162,315VIVA ratio: 7:1Equivalent full time staff for the total number of volunteer hours: 84

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

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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

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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).

d. Conduct VIVA study on other projects.

Nalaikh branch volunteers are building a ger for homeless beneficiaries

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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

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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

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 Darkhan-uul 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.

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

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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

For more information about the MRSC, visit www.redcross.mn

The Mongolian Red Cross Society

The Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) was established in 1939 as a voluntary organisation with the purpose of delivering life-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 disasterprevention and rehabilitation activities

• Promotehealthyandsafetylifestylesthroughhealtheducationprogrammes

• Promote the international humanitarian law and be actively involved in theestablishment and development of a peaceful and humane society

• StrengthencooperationwiththeInternationalFederationoftheRedCrossandRed Crescent Societies, International Committee of the Red Cross and National Societies

MRCS volunteer programme

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.

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:

• OrientationaboutRedCrossandVolunteerCode of Conduct

• Skillstrainingoncommunityhealth,homecare for bedridden people, first aid and psychosocial support

• Skills training on communication,volunteer management and how to run income-generating projects

• Vulnerability and capacity assessmenttraining

• Trainingoftrainers

• Advicesonlegalizationandlaw

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 themost vulnerable by chopping fire wood, collecting coals and water, washing, cleaning, reading etc.

• Referral to family clinic for free medicalcheck-up

• Provide health advices and care forbedridden people

• Disseminate community-related activitiesand information

• Conductvocationaltraining

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.

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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.

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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

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

• Facilitategovernmentsocialservicesandbenefitsforthemostvulnerable

• Providefood,clothes,andhygienesupport

• Providepsychosocialsupport

• Organisesocialactivitiesforelderswholivealone

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:

• Sharingofhealthtipsandadvices

• Workoutandotherhealthexercises

• Meetingsandexperiencesharing

• Games,competitionsandotherrecreationalactivities

• Arts,craftsandotherskillstraining

• Storytellingandoralreading

• Psychosocialsupportactivities

• Otherhumanitarianactivities

Baganuur RC branch volunteer D. Dolgorjav, 64, helps her client with disability clean his house.

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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

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Profile of MRCS implementing branches

Selenge province Red Cross branch

Selenge Province Red Cross branch has 56 years of service-filled 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.

Baganuur district Red Cross

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 income-generating 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

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 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.

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Oyun- Tuv province RC branch volunteer taking care of children.

Tuv province RC branch volunteer – B. Lkhagvasuren with his beneficiary.

Baganuur district Red cross volunteer Oyunchimeg is milking the dairy cow.

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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

2. Analysis of the volunteer investment and value audit

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.

Category of Expenditure

Cost Detail Amount (MNT) %

Meetings and Peer Support

Regular volunteer meetings provide peer support and supervision for further skills growth and learning

9,656,035 15%

TransportationTravel expenses incurred by volunteers to fulfill their duties

32,742,000 50%

Equipment Equipment provided to volunteers 6,798,130 10%

Training ExpensesExpenses 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%

TOTAL 65, 514, 484 100%

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

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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.

Psychosocial support to elders from care center.

Awards and celebration

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.

Selenge province RC volunteer – Kh. Ayurded, 71, checks blood pressure of patient.

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Self- support group volunteers from Tuv province RC branch – sewing gloves for factory workers.

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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

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.

Equivalent Paid Job

Equivalent hourly wage

in MNT

Average hours spent by each

volunteer in 2012

Total annual value in MNT (equivalent hourly wage x average hours provided by each volunteer

in 2012 x 575 volunteers )

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

Others (combination of remaining services)

1,200 29 20,010,000

TOTAL MNT 464,662,172

MNT=Mongolia Tugrik Note: hourly wage taken from http://mad-research.com/mongolia/demographic-trends/employment-and-wages/

Table 2. Total volunteer value

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:

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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

Total number of volunteers 575

Total number of volunteer hours rendered 162,315 hours

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

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

VIVA ratio = 464,662,172 65,514,484

= 7:1

VIVA ratio = Total volunteer value Total volunteer investment

C. The VIVA ratio

The VIVA ratio is computed using the formula:

As presented on the above table, 575 volunteers rendered volunteering services for the project for a total of 162,315 hours.

= 7

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.

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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

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

= 282.2 hours per volunteer

Per capita expenditure = Total volunteer investment Total number of volunteers

= 65,514 484.00 575

= MNT 113,938

Per capita value = Total volunteer value Total number of volunteers

= 464,662,172 575

= MNT 808,108

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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

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.

Nalaikh district branch volunteer L. Bayarhuu is providing food assistance to his beneficiary.

Uvurkhangai RC branch volunteers – Ts.Enkhtuya 2010-2012, J. Oyunchimeg – 2009-2012 are providing psychological support to a beneficiary D. Chimed (from left).

Experience sharing meeting among BRC and FRC funded project branch staff (Baganuur, Nalaikh, Darkhan-uul, Selenge, Tuv, Uvurkhangai and Khuvsgul branches).

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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

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.

2. There were challenges in getting the costs of activities.

Home care for bedridden-training. Volunteering development training – Oyu B, Social care and volunteer program manager.

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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

About the authors Oyu BaatarOyu 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.

Nicholas MadgwickNicholas 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.

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.

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:

Mongolian Red Cross Society

Karl Marx Avenue Sukhbaatar District1st KhorooUlaanbaatar 13

Tel: (976) (11) 329 433Fax: (976) (11) 320 934 / 312 578Email: [email protected]: www.redcross.mn

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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