Globally, around 2.1 billion individuals, engage in volunteer work each month . Despite this significant evidence, volunteer data remains incomplete and inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Different definitions of volunteering make comparisons difficult. Numerical measurement based on time and money does not capture the full value of volunteering . How can we use a more holistic and practical metric to move the conversation about measurement beyond numbers, and what would it take to implement it at scale? This session introduces the Global Index of Volunteer Engagement (GIVE) , a new way of understanding what volunteering contributes to people, communities and economies. GIVE is built around four dimensions: individual value, societal value, economic value and an environment that promotes volunteerism. Drawing on Chapter 7 of the 2026 State of the World's Volunteerism Report, panellists in this webinar will discuss how the GIVE offers an innovative appr...
Building on the case made in chapter 1, this chapter provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art in volunteer measurement, tracing how approaches have evolved from their origins in statistical and economic terms to the holistic, multi-method frameworks increasingly used today. Examples illustrate how measurement objectives and practices have changed, particularly since the 2000s, alongside a growing understanding of volunteering as a force with economic and social value . From this new holistic perspective, measurement has become key to demonstrating that voluntary action generates public value and deserves recognition from citizens and governments. As established in chapter 1, how volunteering is measured directly affects how it is valued. This chapter delves into the tools themselves, showing how different approaches can shape narratives and influence decisions. While standardized indicators are essential for comparability – one of the goals addressed by the GIVE fram...
.The 2026 SWVR seeks to advance debates around the world on volunteer measurement by tackling the persistent evidence gaps that limit our understanding of the impacts of volunteering and the experiences of many volunteers . In line with previous SWVR cycles, this edition represents a step change, focusing on volunteer measurement, reflecting how conceptual and methodological priorities have evolved over time. Investments in humanitarian and development work are increasingly results-driven in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. Evidence of the impact of volunteerism is, therefore, essential to shape responsive policies.
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