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2003 Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers
Summary
Volunteer service in Arkansas is performing a very needed function for the
state. In the present era of diminishing funding to public agencies and schools,
volunteers are giving their time to assist these organizations in helping to
meet the needs of all citizens.
In this latest study on determining the economic impact of volunteerism in Arkansas,
data regarding the number of volunteers, hours served, and estimated dollar value
were collected from 15 public organizations. These included agencies/organizations,
county judges, city mayors, public school superintendents, United Community Organizations
of Arkansas, United Ways, veterans groups, civic clubs, National Service Organizations,
libraries, senior groups, private schools, private colleges and universities,
faith based organizations, and youth organizations. All were asked to report
the number of volunteers and the hours served in the organization, as well as
to estimate the overall dollar value per hour of their volunteers' time.
These organizations reported that 390,117 Arkansans volunteered a
total of 22,100,013 hours for a value of $410,146,312.
Those providing volunteer services worked in many capacities.
Some answered telephones, counseled troubled youth,
raised funds, delivered meals, visited with the home-bound,
washed dishes, served as mentors, conducted health
physical exams, or chaperoned field
trips, while others served on boards or lobbied
for increased funding for services.
If the state had to fund the jobs to provide the services now being
provided by volunteers, an additional $6,440,466,752 in personal income
would have to have been generated.
As shown in this study, the work performed by volunteers has a significant
monetary value. A concentrated effort to recruit
volunteers should be a part of each state agency/organization's
strategic plan for the future.
By incorporating volunteers, the delivery and quality
of services by state agencies/organizations is
maximized. This study highlights the
efforts that are being made by the many volunteers
in Arkansas. Volunteers are to be commended for
all their efforts and many hours they give in
service to others.
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