Prepared by: Adnan Al-Ghamdi - March 2024
Ulom Association for Research and Development
Volunteerism and human capital development within non-profit organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are crucial components for achieving sustainable growth and enhancing social services across communities. Non-profits provide vital assistance and support to those in need, while also contributing to community development. This article will examine the current state of volunteerism and discuss the importance of developing human resources within non-profit organizations.
There are several significant benefits of volunteer engagement and human capital development in the non-profit sector:
First, volunteerism strengthens social cohesion and community ties. By volunteering, individuals build cooperation and solidarity among members of the community, reinforcing social bonds.
Second, volunteering offers opportunities for personal and professional skill enhancement. Through their activities, volunteers can develop new abilities, driving personal and career advancement.
Third, volunteer work cultivates national pride and identity. Engaging in volunteer roles allows individuals to express patriotism for their country and demonstrate commitment to its progress.
Fourth, volunteering improves quality of life. By providing services and support to those in need, volunteers directly contribute to enhancing life quality for both individuals and society.
Key Achievements and Developments in Volunteering and Human Resource Capacity Building in the Nonprofit Sector in Saudi Arabia
First, growing volunteer participation: According to the National Center for Nonprofit Sector Development's report, volunteer participation in Saudi Arabia has significantly increased, reaching 843,300 volunteers by the end of 2023. Over 500,000 volunteer opportunities were provided, and more than 50 million volunteer hours were contributed.
Second, expanding services: The scope of services provided by the nonprofit sector in Saudi Arabia has expanded into various fields including education, research, health, environment, and culture, with over 85% of organizations now specialized.
Third, developing programs and initiatives: Many programs and initiatives have been developed aiming to enhance volunteerism and build human resource capacity in volunteering and nonprofit human resource development in Saudi Arabia.
Building volunteer and human capabilities in nonprofits is critical for creating sustainable impact and economic returns. Volunteers play a vital role in strengthening capabilities and developing communities, contributing to sustainable development and economic sustainability. Below are key strategies for building volunteer and human capabilities in nonprofits and their importance:
First, providing training and development: Nonprofits should offer training and development opportunities for volunteers to acquire necessary skills and knowledge. Workshops and courses can enhance skills in areas like communications, project management, leadership, marketing, and strategic planning.
Second, providing counseling and mentoring: Nonprofits can offer counseling and mentoring for volunteers to obtain advice and guidance from experts. Opportunities should be provided to continuously review and provide feedback to improve performance.
Third, encouraging continuous learning: Nonprofits must encourage volunteers to continuously learn and develop skills and knowledge relevant to their charitable work. Opportunities for reading, research, and participating in workshops and conferences can enhance knowledge and exchange experiences.
Fourth, providing leadership and responsibility: Nonprofits should provide leadership and responsibility opportunities for volunteers to develop skills like leadership, organization, and decision-making. Volunteers can be assigned administrative and leadership tasks to strengthen capabilities and develop future nonprofit leaders. Volunteer and human capacity building is an essential nonprofit function, contributing to individual, collective and sustainable development.
The Importance of Developing Volunteers and Human Capabilities in Non-Profit Organizations
There are several key reasons why developing volunteers and their capabilities is important for non-profit organizations. First, it enhances efficiency and effectiveness. Providing development opportunities for volunteers allows them to increase their proficiency and impact in the roles and tasks assigned. With more capable volunteers, the organization can better achieve its strategic goals.
Second, volunteer development provides opportunities for skills and knowledge gain. Volunteers can acquire new abilities in important areas like management, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and leadership. This personal growth also strengthens a volunteer's marketability for future career opportunities.
Third, developing volunteers enhances confidence and a sense of belonging. Participating in meaningful work and development programs helps volunteers feel proud and invested in their community and the non-profit cause. They find purpose and value in contributing to social good.
In closing, volunteering offers hands-on experience and learning that benefits all parties. When non-profits invest in developing the capabilities of their volunteers and staff, it elevates overall success. It also underscores the non-profit sector's importance and responsibility in areas like sustainable development, GDP contribution, and portraying a positive image. Strategically enhancing human capital aligns non-profits with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 national goals.
