What Counts? First Principles-Based Approaches to Measuring Volunteer Impact Across Sectors

Those who doubt the value volunteers provide are the Yin to the Yang we share in our dedication to the practice of Volunteer Management. They say, “How do you support the idea that community service has an economic value? Your evidence is fluff!” We say, “Human capital is a fundamental driver of the beneficial outcomes we pursue, and here’s how we count it.” And yet, we seldom “count” the same way as we seek to answer questions that help define forward progress in measuring volunteer impact. What does your organization exist to do? What activities advance progress toward that mission? What outputs do your volunteers provide to support these pursuits?  This Ahead of the Curve provides answers to these questions and fundamental guidance to figure out what counts and how to chart your narrative journey.