When we think of worth, we often think of our salary. But we neglect to think about how our volunteers service service can actually help run an organization, including the government.
Many people get down on government. \”It\’s inefficient!\” they cry. And yes, it can be bureaucratic. But let\’s take a closer look if we look at what can done for civil society, if we also add in important volunteers.
Civil society sector sources of support, with and without volunteers1:
Government with volunteers
Argentina 19.5%
Australia 31.2%
Belgium 76.8%
Government without volunteers
Argentina: 73%
Australia: 62.5%
Belgium: 18.6%
Covered by Philanthropy
Argentina 7.5%
Australia 6.3%
Belgium 4.6%
What a difference. Without volunteers, Argentina\’s civil society would be cut nearly in half; Australia would be cut by nearly 2/3rds; and Belgium by nearly 1/5th!
So the next time you aren\’t sure your volunteer work is making a difference, please think again. You might just be helping run the country, one local city at a time.
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1. 1995-2000