2002 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 14 public organizations. These included agencies/organizations, county judges, city mayors, public school superintendents, United Community Organization of Arkansas, United Ways, veterans groups, civic clubs, National Service Organizations, 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 organizations, as well as to estimate the overall dollar value per hour of their volunteers' time.
These organizations reported that 349,273 Arkansans volunteered at total of 18,494,322 hours for a value of $339,135,458.
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 $6,790,415,314 in personal income would have to have been generated.
As shown in this study, the significant work performed by volunteers has a 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.
