In business, the ability to understand financial terms and determine monetary value is almost a prerequisite for success. However, being able to grasp the value of the intangible is what makes us true leaders. If our fast-paced world has taught us anything, it should be the incalculable importance of volunteerism in our communities, our organizations and our businesses.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the economic contribution of volunteer hours served in Michigan at about $6 billion every year––that’s 2.5 million volunteers dedicating 306 million hours of service per year. Right here in Greater Lansing, about 35 percent of residents volunteer their time in some capacity.

The numbers, however, don’t tell the whole story. Volunteerism also delivers the promise of fresh ideas, new relationships and an opportunity to develop a stronger bond with our community. Developing that connection makes good business sense whether we are encouraging volunteerism in our workplaces or recruiting volunteers to our organizations in order to help deliver a better service to the community.

Ingham Regional Medical Center is a case in point. The more than 800 volunteers at Ingham––including teens, college students and adults––contributed over 94,000 hours last year. Those volunteer hours help Ingham deliver the unexpected––the seemingly inconsequential services that add up to a powerful impact on patient care.

Volunteers don’t replace staff in an organization like Ingham, but compliment the work staff members are already doing by amplifying the compassionate care provided to the community. Getting a patient a glass of water or a warm blanket. Providing a listening ear. Transporting patients from Point A to Point B, and into the capable hands of Ingham’s doctors, nurses and other caregivers.

Then there are organizations that utilize volunteer input to help sustain and map the direction of services and programs made available to the community. Volunteers for the YMCA of Lansing, which is comprised of six area branches, help to raise needed funds and serve on leadership and governance committees.

Because there is a great deal of autonomy at the branch level, the YMCA has the unique ability to tailor services to the needs of each specific community. Volunteers multiply the impact of those YMCA programs.

Even in the digital age, volunteer time and talent continue to have a powerful impact. Internet applications such as blogs and Wikipedia owe their success to the principle of people coming together to share their knowledge and skills with others.

April 19 -25 is National Volunteer Week, a chance to reflect on the contributions volunteers have made to our community. April is also an opportunity to find new     volunteers and ensure current volunteers feel appreciated and motivated.

Here are a few tips.

Recruiting new volunteers can take time and effort. Start by asking for help through a personal approach. The  number one reason people say they don’t volunteer is because “no one asked.” A personal approach will be the most effective, especially if you have a specific task in mind. Don’t leave recruiting help up to a newsletter ad.

Existing volunteers are your best recruiters. People are more likely to participate if they know someone who already volunteers. Ask existing volunteers to personally invite their friends and family to join them.

Today’s volunteers want their contributions to count. They want to know exactly what is expected of them, how long it will take and what kind of outcome the association or business is seeking. They also want to feel appreciated for their work. Consider expressing your gratitude through a handwritten note, special annual event, naming opportunity or a plaque.

Saying “thank you” will help to keep your volunteers motivated, but be sure to take that appreciation to the next level. Encouraging new ideas and using people’s talents––not just their time––will help energize volunteers. Above all, share your successes with your volunteers and make sure they know they are part of the team.

The economic value of volunteers is clear, but more importantly volunteering makes all of our lives richer. As the great political leader Winston Churchill once remarked, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

		Cheri Schimmel is development director for the YMCA of Lansing and works closely with volunteers at the YMCA.