Hey there, and I’m Scott Savoy at the Sterling Creations desk. Pleased to be with you today.
For this week, our president, Donna J. Jodhan, shares her perspective on a very important issue to our community.
Read what she thinks about the landscape of volunteers.
Here’s wishing you a great weekend.
The Volunteer Dilemma: Fairness and Compensation in Advisory Roles
by Donna J. Jodhan
In today’s world, volunteers are the backbone of countless charitable organizations, government advisory groups, and community committees. Their dedication drives essential work forward, from crafting policies to delivering critical services. However, an ongoing question lingers: Is it fair to expect people to continue contributing their time, experience, and skills without compensation? And if so, what constitutes fair compensation, if any?
Volunteers play an indispensable role in many sectors, but their contributions are often taken for granted. This reliance on unpaid labor is particularly prevalent in advisory groups and committees, where the expectation to donate expertise and time can be overwhelming. The argument for unpaid volunteer work typically hinges on altruism and community spirit, but this does not necessarily align with the realities of modern life.
Many volunteers juggle their commitments with full-time jobs and personal responsibilities, making their time incredibly valuable.
The fairness of asking individuals to work without compensation can be questioned on several grounds.
First, it overlooks the value of the expertise and lived experiences that volunteers bring to the table. This knowledge is not just freely given; it is the result of years of education, professional experience, and personal development. To expect individuals to donate this asset without acknowledgment or reward risks devaluing their contributions and overlooks the real cost of their involvement.
Moreover, there is a practical dimension to this issue. Volunteer work, especially in advisory roles, often requires significant time and effort. While the intention behind volunteerism is noble, it can be demanding. When individuals are not compensated, it may inadvertently exclude those who cannot afford to volunteer due to financial constraints. This creates a potential imbalance where only those with the luxury of free time can afford to contribute, thereby narrowing the diversity of perspectives and expertise available.
In considering compensation, the debate around gift cards as a form of acknowledgment brings us to another critical point. While gift cards can be seen as a gesture of appreciation, they might also be perceived as inadequate. They represent a nominal and impersonal form of recognition that does not fully acknowledge the value of the volunteer’s contribution. For many, gift cards might feel like a token gesture rather than a meaningful appreciation of their work.
Instead of relying on such minimal compensation, organizations should explore more substantial forms of acknowledgment. This could include stipends, professional development opportunities, or other forms of direct compensation that align more closely with the value of the work being done.
Providing compensation not only respects the volunteer’s time and effort but also enhances the quality and reliability of their contributions. It can help ensure that advisory groups and committees are populated by individuals who are not only passionate but also fairly compensated for their valuable time and expertise.
In conclusion, while the spirit of volunteerism is commendable, it is crucial to reassess how we approach compensation for those who provide their skills and knowledge in advisory capacities. Fairness dictates that contributions should be acknowledged in ways that reflect their true value. Whether through meaningful compensation or other forms of recognition, ensuring that volunteers are not only appreciated but also adequately rewarded is a step toward a more equitable and effective system.
Just my two cents for today.
To learn more about me as an award-winning sight-loss coach and advocate, visit www.donnajodhan.com.
