Impact of your volunteer time

By Rachel Manuel

This past week, as they do each year, the Independent Sector announced the value of one hour of volunteer time for the 2008 year. The national average for 2008 increased to $20. 25, up from $19.51 in 2007. According to the Independent Sector, this estimatate helps nonprofit organizations quantify the impact volunteers have in their organization and in the community. The Independent Sector also breaks down estimates for each state based on local information, and in Iowa the estimate is more than $16 per hour. While it is interesting to see what kind of economic impact you as a volunter can have in your community, it is also important to think about all the intangibles volunteers can bring to a nonprofit organization, beyond just money.

This coming week April 20 through April 24 is National Volunteer Week, and we all have the opportunity to take part in helping our community. Whether you already volunteer or are interested in starting, you can find many opportunities this coming week to give back. Global Youth Service Day is April 24-25, with a variety of projects all across the state. Additionally, Iowa's First Lady Mari Culver is hosting Shelter Awareness Day on Saturday, April 25 to benefit Iowa shelters for domestic violence victims and at-risk youth. You can also join United Way of Central Iowa in celebration of our community volunteers on Tuesday, April 21 for our LIVE UNITED Recognition Event, which will celebrate individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in giving, advocating, and volunteering and impacting United Way of Central Iowa's priority areas of education, income, and health.

With that being said, United Way of Central Iowa would like to thank you, for the work you have done this past year (and whatever you might do this coming year) in helping to advance the common good in central Iowa. The volunteer work our community has done has a tremendous impact economically, but most importantly it is the kindness and generosity felt that makes the real difference.