Assessing Volunteers Contribution to Development

Transcription

1 Assessing Volunteers Contribution to Development IVCO Conference, Montreal, Canada September 2007 Donna Keher Chief, Partnerships, Communications & Resources Mobilization Group

2 Background and Purpose Promoting volunteerism as a key component of human development Need to clarify the contribution of volunteerism to development IVSO Conference 2004 proposed that UNV develop a methodology, with other VIOs

3 Steering Committee AVI - Australian Volunteers International CCI - Canadian Crossroads International DED - German Development Service JOCV - Japan Overseas Co-operation Volunteers Skillshare International (UK) UNV - United Nations Volunteers VSA - Volunteer Service Abroad (New Zealand)

4 Process Feb. April 2006: Field tested in 12 countries Draft guidance note & feedback sheets June 2006: Validation workshop in Bonn Reviewed tools, further refined October 2006: Feedback to IVCO conference November 2006: Applied in UNV results workshop UNV Tsunami response

5 Key issues Contribution of volunteerism for development Key results How results are achieved The added value of volunteerism Factors that help or hinder the contribution Lessons from volunteering How lessons can enhance development planning

6 Important distinctions Outputs Short-term deliverables Outcomes Collaborative process Impact Long-term sustainable change

7 3 Questions 1. What is the contribution made by the volunteer? Output/ outcome/impact 2. How was this achieved? Validation 3. What were the lessons learned? SWOT

8 Steps in the methodology 1. Workshops with volunteers and beneficiaries Individual contributions 2. National workshops, includes partners Aggregated data 3. Workshops with other VIOs & partners Exchange findings, promote collaboration 4. Globally (refining the methodology) Aggregate the data / lessons / research / plans

9 Examples of results GOALS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES LONGER TERM IMPACT Improvements in health GIPA (greater involvement of people with AIDS) promoted in different sectors of society Greater involvement of PLHAs in improving their access to basic social services Greater social acceptance of PLHAs Significant reduction in stigma and discrimination of PLHAs Environmental sustainability Capacity and confidence built among members of selected communities in natural resource management and conservation Awareness and involvement of communities in taking care of natural resources Reduction in poverty and environmental protection Gender Equity Participation of women in project implementation/ community activities promoted Capacity built among selected women PLHAs Changed perception about ability of women to be involved/ participate in development. Greater involvement of women PLHAs in improving access to care, treatment and other support services. Greater involvement of women in development activities

10 Value added Systematic knowledge of the contribution of volunteerism for development Awareness of volunteering and its role in development Sharing experiences and lessons between volunteers and partners (capacity building) Wider recognition of volunteers and their work Greater volunteer perspective ( bigger picture ) Flexible methodology can adapt to context

11 Resources needed Development Implement Develop & field-test In-house preparation, consultation, logistics, Consultants reviews on-site People in workshops (local, national, with VIOs) Money (for consultants, travel, workshops, etc.) 1 year 3-6 months ~ 40 days 380 people ~ $77,000 (US) apply apply apply

12 Challenges During workshops: Different concepts of volunteering Specifying soft aspects motivation, adaptability, knowledge of local context Distinguishing outputs, outcomes, impact Claiming credit beyond actual contributions Involving beneficiaries, partners, other stakeholders Aggregating data: Country-specific, context-specific Different quality, language of workshop reports

13 Lessons learned Workshops Advance planning Train facilitators Minimum 2 days (allows analysis) Improve partner buy-in Translate into local languages (tools, notes) Avoid jargon Adapt / simplify the methodology (e.g. steps) Better if volunteers are in assignments for 2 years+

14 Going Forward UNV results workshops (Oct.- Nov. 2007) capture aggregate contributions of volunteers Project evaluation exercises Before evaluation teams visit Additional Use Exit reports of individual volunteers UNV inputs to UNDP country reviews Share experiences with other VIOs further enhancement

15 For further details Caspar Merkle Evaluation Specialist

16 THANK YOU Donna Keher Chief, Partnerships, Communications & Resources Mobilization Group