The Baseline Studies on Volunteering Development in the Americas are part of the ongoing efforts of the IFRC Regional Office to strengthen volunteering structures across the region. These annual studies provide an updated diagnosis of how National Societies manage and support their volunteer base, offering valuable insights that contribute to regional and local strategies for growth and resilience.
Volunteers are the driving force of the Red Cross, embodying one of the Fundamental Principles of the Movement and making humanitarian action possible in countless communities. Understanding their realities, challenges, and achievements allows National Societies to adapt their strategies to evolving social contexts and ensure that voluntary service continues to grow sustainably.
This initiative builds on previous studies carried out in past years and continues to serve as a key tool for decision-making, planning, and the promotion of stronger, more inclusive volunteerism in the Americas.
Volunteering from 2022 to 2024 in the Americas was systematized thanks to the collaboration of 27 National Societies: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
It should be noted that not all National Societies respond to the survey every year, which may cause some variation in the results.
Based on data from the IFRC Databank and the information collected through the annual surveys conducted for the Baseline Studies, it is possible to observe how the number of volunteers committed to the principles and values of the Red Cross has evolved over the years:
The strength of our network lies in the thousands of volunteers working side by side to serve their communities.
(An estimate based on data from the IFRC Databank and BLS)
To continuously strengthen national and local structures, having permanent and paid focal points is one of the priorities of the Volunteer and Youth Development Unit. From 2022 to 2024, this goal has evolved in the following ways:
As of 2024, eight individuals are dedicated exclusively to serving as volunteering focal points across different National Societies:
Improvement has been steady, yet with a lot of room for action. In 2022, just one National Society did not have a database, while in 2023 and 2024 all reported having one. The timing and frequency of database updates are unclear, but reports of outdated databases have gone down.
National Societies are constantly adapting their programs and activities. Over the years, the most common have been Youth, First-Aid Emergency Response, Community volunteering, and Social volunteering. At the same time, many National Societies have continued other types of volunteering programs, ensuring diversity in opportunities. The following graph gives an overview of how programs have fluctuated:
Acá comentarios del 2022
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Over the past years, the National Societies that have participated in the surveys show a consistent trend regarding the number of those with a volunteering policy.
While it is an achievement that 30% of National Societies report having such a policy, more work is needed to increase this figure and to reduce the number of NS that, over time, have indicated not having one.
Based on the available data, volunteer evaluation mechanisms have progressed steadily, with the number of reported systems rising from 8 to 10 in recent years.
Establishing such systems is key to monitoring performance, improving volunteer experiences, and ensuring sustainable contributions to communities.
National Societies that implement motivation systems have had equal results, proportional to the answers. Usually, one fifth of the National Societies report no systems.
Regarding the annual budget dedicated to strengthening volunteering, the number of National Societies reporting not having one has remained relatively similar over time.
This situation is concerning, as including a specific item in the annual budget aimed at strengthening volunteering management allows for more sustainable planning, better resource allocation, and stronger support systems for volunteers.
For the following factor of study, each National Society indicates whether all, some, or no volunteers are covered by insurance. The number of National Societies reporting no insurance coverage at all has decreased from 5 to 3. Meanwhile, those covering only some of their volunteers have increased from 2 to 4. It remains unclear whether the total number of reports has decreased due to fewer survey responses over the years.
Between 2022 and 2024, the systematization of volunteering data in the Americas has offered valuable insights into the current state and ongoing progress of National Societies. The collaboration of 27 National Societies has made it possible to identify both achievements and persistent challenges in volunteer management.
Overall, the number of volunteers engaged with the Red Cross continues to reflect the strength and commitment of communities across the region. At the same time, the establishment of dedicated focal points, though still limited, represents an important step toward ensuring continuity and professionalization in volunteer management structures.
The steady improvement in volunteer databases is a clear achievement, as having updated and reliable information is essential for planning, monitoring, and strengthening engagement. Similarly, the diversity of programs maintained by National Societies highlights their adaptability to local needs, ensuring that volunteering opportunities remain accessible and relevant.
Progress has also been observed in evaluation mechanisms, which are essential for monitoring performance and enhancing volunteer experiences. However, gaps remain in recognition systems, with a significant proportion of National Societies reporting no formal mechanisms. Equally concerning is the lack of dedicated budget lines for volunteering, as financial planning is critical for sustainability and for supporting volunteers effectively.
Finally, while there has been some improvement in volunteer insurance coverage, the fact that not all volunteers are insured continues to be a vulnerability. Expanding and standardizing insurance coverage remains a priority to guarantee safe and dignified conditions for all who serve.
In conclusion, data from the latest studies shows meaningful progress but also emphasizes the need for continued investment and commitment. In conclusion, data from the latest studies shows meaningful progress but also emphasizes the need for continued investment and commitment. Strengthening structures, systems, and resources for volunteering is not only essential for the sustainability of National Societies but also for ensuring that volunteers can continue to make a transformative impact in their communities.
