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The value of our volunteersA study focusing on the value of volunteers mobilized during the Dengue Fever Outbreak Fiji Red Cross Society

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byAlita Goneva Climate Change Health OfficerFiji Red Cross Society

Sevuloni RatuYouth Coordinator Fiji Red Cross Society

Sneh KumarResource Development AssistantFiji Red Cross Society

How we work

© 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 photos: Branch volunteers conducting dengue fever cleanup campaign. All photos are courtesy of FRCS.

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

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

The value of our volunteersA study focusing on the value of volunteers mobilized during

the Dengue Fever Outbreak | Fiji Red Cross Society

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Table of contents

Executive summary 2

1. Introduction 3

Methodology of the study 4

The Fiji Red Cross Society 4

The volunteer programme 4

The Fiji Red Cross branches and service delivery 5

The dengue campaign 6

Profile of community settings reached 8

Branch volunteers trained for dengue advocacy by division 9

2. The economic value of our volunteers 10

A. Total number of volunteering hours 10

B. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteering hours 10

C. Total volunteer investment 10

D. Total volunteer value 12

E. The VIVA ratio 13

F. Per capita cost and contribution 13

3. The social value of volunteering 14

What other values does volunteering bring? 15

4. Conclusions 15

5. Recommendations 16

Acknowledgment 16

Lists of tables

Table 1. Total number of volunteer hours rendered by volunteers 10

Table 2. Total volunteer investment in March 12th – August 15th, 2014 10

Table 3. Total volunteer value 12

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The value of our volunteersA study focusing on the value of volunteers mobilized during the Dengue Fever Outbreak | Fiji Red Cross Society

Executive summary

This Value of Volunteers study focuses on the key role played by Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) by mobilizing 136 volunteers to respond to the dengue fever epidemic that affected the western and northern parts of Fiji in 2014, prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency. The focus of government health officials had been on the prevention of the disease through massive advocacy campaigns that drove the community to go full blast in cleaning mosquito breeding grounds in affected areas. Despite joint efforts of all sectors, including the Fiji Red Cross and the media, to address the problem, the epidemic outbreak drained the resources of the Ministry of Health. The study highlights the economic and social value of the FRCS 136 volunteers vis-a-vis the services they have rendered during the dengue advocacy campaign from March to August 2014.

The dengue campaign reached 14 districts inclusive of the western, central eastern and northern parts of Fiji by the end of August 2014. Most of these communities reached were hot spot areas identified by the Ministry of Health where Red Cross volunteers went full swing in community mobilization, advocacy and dissemination of preventive messages and distribution of IEC materials.

Key findings

• Totalnumberofbeneficiariesreachedin2014: 84,227

• Total number of volunteers involved inthe dengue campaign: 136

• Totalvolunteeringhoursspent:126,072

• Numberoffulltimepaidstaffequivalentwith the total volunteering hours: 66

• Totalvolunteerinvestment:FJD83,079.13(CHF 37,670)

• Investmentper volunteer: FJD83,079.13/136 = $610.88 (CHF 276)

• Totalvolunteervalue:FJD$286,597(CHF129,953)

• Valuepervolunteer:FJD719,281.55/136=$5288. (CHF 2,397)

• VIVAratio:1:4

At a glance!• 84,227 beneficiaries reached in 2014• Total number of volunteer hours:

126,072• Equivalent full time staff for the total

number of volunteer hours: 66

• Total volunteer value: FJD $286,597 / CHF 129,953

• Investment: FJD 83,079.13 / CHF 37,670

• VIVA ratio: 1:4

Recommendations1. Maximize the use of the Resource

Management System (RMS) to document/capture volunteering hours rendered.

2. Review existing volunteer recruitment process.

3. Recognize volunteers.Refer to page 16 for full recommendations.

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FRCS Seaqaqa Branch volunteers after conducting a community campaign.

FRCS

1. Introduction

This Value of Volunteers study of the Fiji Red Cross was conducted in line with the National Society’s efforts to address some volunteering issues earlier identified during the Organisational Capacity Assessment and Certification (OCAC) exercise. The study focuses on FRCS’ dengue fever campaign conducted in 2014 following the outbreak of dengue in various parts of the Fiji Islands.

Fiji Red Cross, in its auxiliary role to the Government of Fiji, partnered with the Ministry of Health and mobilized trained staff and volunteers in particular, across its branches to conduct advocacy and education campaign to affected communities. This activity included working with local health authorities with the aim to reduce the spread of dengue fever.

Volunteers played a crucial role in the campaign as they were directly involved in the implementation of campaign activities. Hence, this study, based on the dengue campaign determined both the economic and social value of volunteers. It also identified benefits volunteering has brought to the community, the volunteers and to the NS..

This is the first study for volunteers conducted by Fiji Red Cross with support from the IFRC secretariat. This is also a collaborative effort of the NS departments of health & care, youth and resource development, aptly demonstrating the FRCS’ inter-connectivity. Above all, the study shows the important role of volunteers in delivering the mandate of Fiji Red Cross to save lives and what and how it has contributed to the overall development of our National Society.

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Methodology of the study

This study was conducted primarily through desk review of existing materials that were made available by the project such as monitoring reports and the final project evaluation. Interviews were also conducted with volunteers and staff.

It is worth noting that the project implementation was fully documented, thus, making it easier for the study team to conduct this value of volunteers study. The financial information was provided by the finance department of FRCS.

The Fiji Red Cross Society

Fiji Red Cross was formed initially in 1952 as a branch of the British Red Cross. Recognition as a National Society came in 1971 after Fiji gained independence with international recognition in 1973, making Fiji Red Cross the 118th member of the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies.

The mission statement of the Fiji Red Cross is “To build safe, healthy and resilient communities by working with our partners and empowering volunteers in humanitarian service and advocacy”. The National Council is the highest body within the Society and constitutionally meets once a year for its Annual General Meeting. The National Board is responsible for setting policies and guidelines. The Director General is responsible to the Board for the management of the National Society’s staff, programmes and services.

FRCS volunteer emptying water from tyres as a method of destroying mosquito breeding places.

FRCS

FRCS key programme areas include disaster and climate change, health and care, safety first aid, youth, dissemination of IHL/humanitarian values and resource and organisational development. The Society has 14 active branches nationwide with two divisional services centres based in the western and northern division with the national office based in the capital, Suva.

The volunteer programme

Fiji Red Cross currently has 400 registered volunteers throughout its 14 branches 70% of whom are young in between the ages of 16-30. In time of emergencies, the Society can mobilize up to 1,000 volunteers. The Society’s strength in terms of programme delivery is based on volunteers especially in times of disasters. Volunteers are present at every level of

For more information about the Fiji Red Cross Society and its services go to www.redcross.com.fj

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the organisation from the highest governing body (i.e. National Council, the National Board including leadership and membership from our branches) to community level.

FRCS volunteer workforce can reach 100,000 beneficiaries in a year in times of disasters, and even more through other programme areas. The local and community-based volunteers, with their knowledge and understanding about their own community, enable us to respond to the vulnerable communities during any emergency in a quick, effective and efficient manner.

FRCS volunteers come from a diverse sector of the community ranging from business and professional sector such as; lawyers, medical personnel, journalists and teachers as well as community leaders and members, students from secondary and tertiary level and village health workers including key groups such as youth and women. Most of the NS volunteers are youth coming from different backgrounds such as students, young professionals and even those unemployed. A volunteer who joins a local branch has to complete and sign a volunteer registration form. The form includes FRCS Code of Conduct and the proper use of the Red Cross emblem. Given the Society’s role in working with children, volunteers are also required to sign the Society’s child protection policy. During the registration process, volunteers are identified based on their skills, expertise and area of interest and on which programme and services they would like to volunteer. The NS provides special training and assigns volunteers to their respective area of interest and expertise at the national or branch level, based on the information given in the registration form.

The Fiji Red Cross branches and service delivery

Fiji Red Cross has 14 active branches nationwide (7 in western division, 5 in northern and 2 in central eastern division) specifically located in Nalawa, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka, Suva, Levuka, Labasa, Seaqaqa, Savusavu, Bua and Taveuni. Majority of the branches are located in the main town and cities except for Nalawa, Seaqaqa and Bua located in rural areas while Taveuni and Levuka are located in the maritime zone.

A local branch is governed by an Executive Committee led by a branch president and composed of executive members; vice president, secretary, treasurer and officer bearers representing disaster, health and care, safety and youth. Branches their raise their own funds and rent office facilities and equipment as needed.

FRCS

Volunteers receive training both theoretical and practical before conducting community intervention

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The FRCS national office also provides financial support to branches to enable them to carry out programme activities more quickly and effectively, especially in times of disasters and other emergencies such as in the case of dengue fever outbreak where 13 out of the 14 branches participated in the campaign. Likewise, national office supports branch capacity building and training of volunteers. Branches also have funded programmes.

Branch programmes and services are delivered by volunteers, with some branches having full time administrators to manage the day to day operation and who are responsible to the branch executive committee.

The dengue campaign

In February 2014, Fiji grappled with its worst outbreak of dengue fever in 16 years. The Fiji Ministry of Health declared a dengue fever outbreak in the central division, particularly in Suva, with 2,589 cases reported. By mid-March 2014, Fiji’s Ministry of Health had confirmed 11 deaths and over 10,000 suspected cases in a dengue outbreak which started in November 2013. By April, there were over 20,000 suspected dengue cases and a total of 12 confirmed deaths. By end of May, the number of new suspected cases had decreased from 1,576 to 389. The cumulative figure since November 2013 stood at 25,300 suspected cases.

Fiji Red Cross strategically planned its activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to step up its information drive about dengue fever. This activity was rolled out in two distinct phases.

During phase one in March, activity was rolled out across the western division with the training of trainers (TOT) of the branch volunteers at district level. Training covered dengue awareness using MoH IEC materials which focused on three (3) key messages. These messages were:-

Total Population Reached through the Dengue Campaign by Division

Western31,468 Western

Central

Eastern

NorthernCentral26,158

Eastern5,818

Northern20,888

• Forpeopletoavoidbeingbittenbymosquitoesin the first instance by taking certain precautionary measures which included the use of mosquito nets, coils, repellant etc.

• Dengueisnotcurablewithself-medication.Serious cases were to be referred to their local health centres as quickly as possible for treatment;

• Communities were urged to take this healthissue seriously and take immediate preventive measures such as destroying mosquito breeding sites in their communities.

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During the second phase, FRCS worked with the MoH to strengthen vector control response by assisting with larvicide treatment and source reduction activities in 13 branches (western, central and northern divisions) in MoH identified hotspots.

FRCS trained volunteers went out in groups and visited every household on a daily basis (Monday to Friday) from April to July to disseminate proper hygiene and environmental sanitation.

The volunteers were able to assist at district level in identifying and referring other health issues in these communities (e.g.: open drains, stagnant water, tires in the backyard, communities using nearby creeks as water source, poor sanitation, overgrown compounds) to relevant authorities (such as the local town council, Water Authority of Fiji, Public Works Department etc.) for necessary action. The dengue advocacy campaign has also enabled the Red Cross to improve its community-based disease surveillance.

FRCS dengue fever programme regarding risk communication was aimed at improving people’s knowledge about dengue and changing attitudes and practices to encourage community members to seek medical advice first before resorting to other means.

The involvement of the community members at a household level was essential as dengue fever affects all age groups. It also enhanced public understanding that gender is significantly associated with dengue fever in view of exposure, vulnerability and responsibility. For instance, women are always looked at as care giver and duly responsible for taking care of the sick at home. While men, as family providers, are more likely to be exposed to higher risk of dengue as they are away from home most of the time in comparison to women and children. Taking dengue awareness

Gender Population by Division

Tota

l gen

der c

ount

in n

umbe

r

Western

Male

Female

Central Eastern Northern

14,95915,223

10,392 10,353

8,848 8,793

2,205 2,084

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

Figure 1: Total number of beneficiaries (in terms of gender) reached by district Red Cross dengue team as per division

• More female than male were reached as females were usually at home during the day and males were at work place or in the garden.

• On average 5 persons per family

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to household level, was considered a strategic step in reducing dengue cases, thus, controlling outbreaks at community level.

See Figure 1 for the profile of gender reached based on our house to house visit conducted during our dengue community advocacy as per division.

Profile of community settings reached

Figure 2: Total number of individuals reached by district Red Cross dengue teams

Community types reached by Division

Community types

Tota

l com

mun

ity ty

pe c

ount

s in

num

bers

Villages Settlement Urban Residential

Schs Hospital

80

60

40

20

0

Western

Central

Eastern

Northern

IndustrialArea

The MoH identified hotspot communities which enabled FRCS to target specific localities for this dengue campaign. To reach geographically challenged communities, our community-based volunteers (CBV) who enjoy the trust and confidence of the local population ensured a strategic approach in this dengue outreach. The graph below highlights dengue advocacy activities by community and Red Cross volunteers disseminating messages on dengue prevention measures by distributing dengue IEC material in villages, settlements, schools, residential, industrial areas and helping out in two hospitals in the western division (Lautoka and Sigatoka).

The differences in the number of community settings reached in each division were determined by the locality of identified hotspot communities provided by Ministry of Health.

• Villagespredominantlyi-taukeicommunityinruralsettings

• Settlementsconsistofmulti–ethnicgroups

• Urbanresidentialrepresentingprivatelyownedresidence

• Industrialarearepresentsworkplaces

• Schoolslocatedinurban&ruralareas

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Branch volunteers trained for dengue advocacy by division

The figure below highlights the total number of volunteers trained for dengue advocacy by division.

Division

Gender Volunteers trained for Dengue Advocacy by Division by Division

Tota

l vo

lunt

eers

trai

ned

coun

ts in

num

bers

Western

Divison

Central Eastern Northern

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

The training of respective district Red Cross branch volunteers was done to enable our volunteers to become educators, advocates and monitoring arms of dengue at a community level. In doing this, we facilitated local ownership of their dengue campaign activities and at the same time, strengthened their network with key partners in their respective districts. This partnership has enabled our volunteers to reach as many beneficiaries as possible.

Figure 3: Total number of Red Cross branch volunteers enlisted for the training of trainers on Dengue Advocacy & Community Mobilization as per division.

The difference in the number of branch volunteers trained corresponds to the number of Red Cross branches located in that particular division.

• Red Cross branch volunteers were provided an allowance $10 (per diem & travel cost) This enables the volunteers to accomplish their volunteering tasks.

FRCS Lautoka Branch volunteers picking up cans to destroy mosquito breeding places.

FRCS

FRCS

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2. The economic value of our volunteers

A. Total number of volunteering hours

Table 1. Total number of volunteering hours rendered by volunteers

As presented in the table, 136 volunteers rendered volunteering services for the project.

B. Full-time staff equivalent of the total number of volunteer hours

In order to carry out the work of the Dengue Campaign volunteers, the branch would need the equivalent of 58 full time personnel. This was computed as follows:

Total number of Volunteers 136

Total number of Hours Rendered 126,072

Equivalent full time staff = Total volunteer hours/40 hours per week 48 weeks per year

= (126,072/40) 48

= 66 staff

C. Total volunteer investment

The total volunteer investment shows all the expenses associated with having volunteers. These expenses were incurred by Fiji Red Cross Society national office because of the presence of the dengue awareness volunteers. If there were no dengue awareness volunteers, FRCS, national office will not be incurring these expenses.

Table 2. Total volunteer investment in March 12th – August 15th, 2014

Category of Expenditure

Cost DetailAmount

(FJD)%

FoodExpenses on refreshment/snacks provided to volunteers

9,295 11%

Transportation Travel expenses made by FRCS volunteers and staff 36,501 44%

Equipment PPE and training equipment’s provided to volunteers 1,300 2%

Training Expenses Expenses incurred for TOT as capacity building 1,427 2%

AccommodationAccommodation for volunteers and staff during community mobilization and TOT

1,249 2%

Communication Cell phone incurred by volunteers and staff 10,805 13%

Allowances Provided to volunteers for fulfilling daily duties 20,735 25%

Safe AccessProtocol expenses for entrance in any community and contingency

1,764 2%

TOTAL 83,079 100%

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Overall, Fiji’s fight against the dengue fever outbreak is estimated to cost up to FJD 5million[US$2.7million].Thefiguredoesnotrepresentcostsbornebyindividualsand families who were diagnosed with dengue fever. The Fiji Red Cross Society has classified each expense in a certain way that the expenses do not overlap. FRCS also had its own finance team track all expenses covered per activity with the help of the finance volunteer from each respective branch.

Food expenses include the costs spent in catering for training, refresher training, and refreshment when volunteers were deployed in the field and other sorts of items that were classified as food used by volunteer during the dengue campaign.

The transportation costs on the table include all traveling costs during the period of the dengue campaign, ranging from hiring transport, air fare to bus fare reimbursement for FRCS staff and volunteers. In order to meet the target beneficiaries, transport is an essential factor that when provided, volunteers are motivated to reach as many target beneficiaries as possible.

The cash spent for equipment was mainly for the purchase of personal protective gears used by volunteers and staff when deployed in the field. With reference to training, expenses were mainly on venues rented for training across the 13 branches that participated in the dengue campaign.

Effective communication contributed to the success of the project. A number of recharge card was purchased to keep active communication daily between national office staff and branch volunteers in terms of daily beneficiaries report, cash spent and how much more cash will be needed by each branch. The team leader at branch level also used recharge card to report team movement in the field back to the individual branch office.

Volunteers are the backbone of the branch to be able to carry out its mission effectively. Volunteers are important assets to the organisation. FRCS branch should carry out regular activities that will motivate volunteers to join the Red Cross and be engaged. ‘Volunteerism’ should also be part of any induction conducted to new members joining the branch as this will reinforce the understanding and appreciation of volunteerism in the Red Cross.– Rupeni Nauci, Ba Branch volunteer.”

“Volunteers are provided with daily allowance to enable them to do their volunteering tasks. This is spent for transport, food and some protocol expenses. This was given at a rate of $10 per day regardless what time each volunteer started and finished his work for the day. Besides, there were some expenses incurred for the protocol presentation to community leaders in order for volunteers to have safer access in the community. In fact, entering into any Fijian community by any outsider requires prior approval from the highest hierarchy of the community which the volunteers had to follow for their house to house awareness campaign.

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D. Total volunteer value

This section presents the task carried out by volunteers and time spent on each activity, and matches it to the equivalent paid work at the market wage. This produces anestimatedamount–whattheNationalSocietywouldneedtopayifitwerehiringstaff to carry out the same work. The wage rate used in this study was based on Fiji’s salary scale. The table below presents the equivalent positions or paid works a volunteer is doing during the course of their duties:

Table 3. Total volunteer value

Equivalent paid job

Volunteer roles (and total time rendered volunteering for these roles)

Equivalent staff

Estimate salary per month

Number of months

Total Volunteer Value (2014)(FJD)

Health Inspector Source reduction activities, larvicides treatment

5 1,500 5.15 38,625

Public Health Nurses

Health Educator/ Referral 14 1,250 5.15 90,125

Community Health Worker

Conduct health awareness and referrals

25 666 5.15 85,747

Finance Officer Cash Control 14 1,000 5.15 72,100

TOTAL 58 $286,597

Generally, all 136 volunteers were trained as health educators, which is equivalent to a work of a public health nurse. It is health and emergency situation and normally with FRCS, every team deployed in the field would have a trained volunteer for safety including basic first aid and CPR, as well as health and disaster response.

The dengue campaign volunteers carried out not only the work of a health educator, they also conducted larvicide treatment which is equivalent to what a health inspector would do. The volunteers were also trained on how to manage and handle cash flow within their respective branch which is equivalent to work of a finance officer.

The dengue campaign volunteer’s core role was categorized into three main responsibilities in the above table. The volunteers have worked together across the 14 branches of the National Society in order to reach the target beneficiaries, clearly shown at the end of the project when beneficiaries reached exceeded the target number.(Targetbeneficiaries–75,000andbeneficiariesreached–84,227)

The wage comparison was derived from the responsibility of the volunteer and comparing it to the current Fiji’s market rate of the equivalent job. In summary, the 58 full time equivalent staff would be distributed as follows: 5 health inspectors; 14 public health nurses; 25 community health workers; and 14 finance officers.

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Destroying mosquito breeding places.

FRCS

UsingthevaluesobtainedduringtheVIVAexercise,we can reach the following calculation:

VIVA ratio = $286,597 83,079

= 3.44

= 4

VIVA ratio = Total volunteer value Total volunteer investment

E. The VIVA ratio

The VIVA ratio is computed using the formula:

The VIVA ratio calculation means that Fiji Red Cross Society received four dollar worth of volunteer’s services for every dollar spent on each volunteer in the dengue campaign operation.

F . Per capita costs and contributions

The per capita contribution refers to the dengue campaign volunteer mobilized in 2014. Calculations on the hours, value and expenditure for each dengue campaign volunteer.

Per capita hours = Total number of volunteer hours Total number of volunteers

= 126,072 136

= 927 hours per volunteer

Per capita expenditure = Total volunteer investment Total number of volunteers

= 83,079 136

= $611

Per capita value = Total volunteer value Total number of volunteers

= $286,597 136

= $2,107

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3. The social value of volunteering

Volunteers are the backbone of the National Society, and in the dengue campaign, they played a crucial role in the implementation of campaign activities and ensuring that services provision reached affected communities. FRCS volunteers who were engaged in the project demonstrated a wide range of the volunteering benefits to the community which include:

• Community members were mobilized to take ownership in cleaning up theircommunities

• Communityleadersweremotivatedtoincludecleaningupcampaignaspartoftheir regular community calendar of events

• Volunteerswerealsoperceivedasarolemodelamongstcommunitiesthattheyvisited giving a good example to community members.

• Volunteersandcommunitymemberswereabletoknoweachotherbetter.Thecommunity acknowledged the role of volunteers and they followed their advice.

Trained volunteers committed their time to carry out their duties in the campaign havinginmindthebenefitsofdoingvolunteerworkUponinterviewswithanumberof volunteers who were directly engaged in the campaign, different benefits of volunteering were identified as follows:

• Oneofthevolunteersreportedthathisparticipationinthecampaignhastaughthim to do a similar campaign in his village although his village was not targeted in the campaign.

• Participation in the dengue campaign contributed in enriching the volunteers’knowledge and skills on health education which in turn helped them educate their own family, friends, peer groups and community on the effect of dengue fever.

The Society recognizes the important role of volunteers in realizing the vision and mission of the organisation. Through their voluntary service, the NS is also able to implement programmes in reaching out to the community. In this study, volunteers contributed a lot in the dengue fever campaign which also benefited the reputation of the organisation and its visibility to the public. Volunteers interviewed identified the following benefits of their volunteering in the FRCS;

• Thedenguecampaignhasstrengthenedthebondandteamworkofthevolunteersat branch level.

• CommunitymemberswereabletorecognizetheroleofFijiRedCross,especiallyits unique auxiliary role to the government i.e. working with Ministry of Health during the dengue fever campaign.

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• Volunteers contributed to the requiredhumanresources to be able to go out to communities to carry out the dengue campaign successfully.

• Community leaders and key stakeholders ingovernment became aware of the work of Fiji Red Cross in the local area.

What other values does volunteering bring?

In this study, volunteers and staff were able to determine a wide range of values that volunteering brings into the National Society.

• The dengue fever campaign raised interestamong common people about the FRCS work.

Trained FRCS volunteers demonstrating environmental sanitation during the dengue campaign

FRCS

Three branches received more interest from volunteers to further participate in similar campaign or other voluntary work after this dengue campaign.

• Becauseofthevisibilityofthecampaign,brancheswerealsoabletorecruitnewvolunteers.

• Initiallywhen the campaign started, theSocietywasutilizing its own internalfunding to support the cost associated with the campaign which included the mobilization and training of branch volunteers. Through the campaign and the results it produced, the Society was able to secure funding support from Partner National Societies enabling FRCS to reach more communities.

• Thecampaignattractedmediaattentionandsomelocalnewsletterspublishedreport highlighting the work of volunteers in response to the dengue epidemic. This also upholds the image of the National Society.

4. Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the important role that volunteers play within the organisation. It has also given a clear picture of the benefits of volunteering to the community, to the individual volunteer and to the National Society. Specifically, the recommendations from this study will enable NS to strengthen its volunteer recruitment and retention strategies. Most importantly, it will support local branches to further build their volunteer base which in turn will result in strengthening branches service delivery to the most vulnerable.

Fiji Red Cross Society has had a long tradition of working with volunteers since its establishment. Volunteers will continue to be a driving force and backbone of the

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Society’s work. This report has added value and created an opportunity for FRCS to revisit its volunteer strategy in terms of volunteer participation and engagement at every level of the NS from governance to branch and service delivery level.

5. Recommendations

• Review existing reporting template to capture number of volunteering hoursoffered by volunteers. This would include branch having a volunteer log book to allow volunteers to sign in and out to determine the number of volunteer working hours. This information would then be consolidated and captured into the FRCS volunteer database and will also serve as basis in volunteer service and recognition. Maximize the use of the Resource Management System (RMS).

• Reviewexistingvolunteerrecruitmentprocessatthebranchlevelanddevelopaclear recruitment process that can be used by branches in times of emergencies. This can be stipulated in the volunteer policy.

• Encouragebranches,withthesupportoftheDivisionalServiceCentre’sandFRCSnational office, to include volunteer recognition activities in their branch annual calendar. This would be an avenue for volunteer recognition and motivation.

Sneh Kumar:Sneh Kumar is the Resource Development Assistant with Fiji Red Cross. Part of her role is Branch Development which looks at working and supporting branch work which a component of its also looks at volunteer support and development.

Aknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the following for their full support and active participation in making this study possible:

• FilipeNainoca,DirectorGeneral

• National Office SeniorManagement &Managementstaff

• Branch Volunteers who were interviewed for thisstudy

• BranchVolunteerswhowereengagedintheDengueFevercampaign

• FRCSHealthandCareDepartment

• FRCSYouthDepartment

• FRCSResourceDevelopmentDepartment

• IFRCPacificDelegationandAsiaPacificZoneOffice

About the authors

Alita Goneva: Alita is the Climate Change Health Officer with Fiji Red Cross based at the National Office in Suva. She is responsible for the FRCS Climate Change Health project which looks at climate sensitive diseases which a component of it focuses on Dengue Fever.

Sevuloni Ratu:Sevuloni Ratu is the Youth Coordinator with Fiji Red Cross based at the National Office in Suva. Given that majority of the FRCS volunteer base are young people, he also play a crucial role in providing support in terms of youth and volunteer development.

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:

Fiji Red Cross Society

22 Gorrie StreetGPO 569Suva

Tel: (679) 3314 133Fax: (679) 3303 818Telex: 2279 Attn: Red Cross (Public facility)Telegram:REDCROSSSUVAEmail: [email protected]: www.redcross.com.fj

International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies Asia Pacific Zone

ODVolunteeringandYouthUnitThe 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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The value of our volunteers - IFRC.org Fiji HR.pdf · (FRCS) by mobilizing 136 ... It also...

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