Volunteering Victoria, with funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, has released a Victorian State of Volunteering report.
The report provides new insights on the economic, social and cultural benefits that volunteering brings to Victoria; along with a snapshot of volunteering characteristics, barriers and motivations.
To see a full copy of the report, along with a range of posters, photos and other collateral, including an accessible version of the document, head to-
https://stateofvolunteering.org.au/
Key findings
Volunteering benefits the Victorian economy
The volunteering sector provides close to $60 million dollars worth of benefits to Victorians, with an independent economic assessment showing a return of $3.7 for every $1 of investment in volunteering.
Volunteering improves productivity
Volunteering provides pathways to employment as it allows volunteers to build on skills, experience and abilities that can be transferred across their career. Volunteering also has a positive impact on work performance with over half of respondents reporting volunteering improves their productivity in paid work.
Hidden cost in the volunteering sector
While there are benefits to volunteering, there are associated costs. The report found hidden costs for both volunteers and volunteering organisations, with data suggesting volunteers spend on average $6.7 per hour or $1,700 per year to volunteer.
Volunteering brings people together
Volunteering provides enjoyable and meaningful opportunities for diverse groups to engage with the community. Given that social connection was the number one motivation to volunteer, opportunities to strengthen community connection comes at a significant time for many Victorians who may be feeling isolated due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted volunteerism in Victoria
There was a sharp decline in volunteering in the early period of the pandemic between April and June 2020, with volunteering participation rates reduced by 50.2%. The situation has forced leaders to adapt and find innovative ways to engage their volunteers and deliver services.