April 11, 2011
Volunteer Labor for RMEF Tops $17 Million in Value
MISSOULA, Mont.—For the first time in Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation history, annual labor donated by RMEF volunteers has exceeded $17 million in total value.
This voluntary workforce of devoted elk hunters and other conservationists is providing much of the horsepower for RMEF initiatives in 2011—habitat conservation and enhancement, elk restoration, hunting heritage and youth education programs, and more.
The labor figures were released by RMEF in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 10-16, 2011. President Nixon designated the annual commemoration in 1974 to celebrate America’s spirit of volunteerism for good causes. U.S. Presidents still issue formal proclamations to help keep volunteerism going strong.
“Volunteer labor doesn’t show up on financial statements. Neither bankers nor the IRS even consider it a true asset. But this year the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will reach its 6 millionth acre of habitat conservation, we’re helping to restore elk herds in Missouri and Virginia, and we’re influencing millions of people with positive messages about hunting and wildlife. And I can promise you that almost none of that would happen if not for our volunteers,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
“Conservation today depends on volunteers,” he added, saying, “and I hope all who love the outdoors will join RMEF in thanking not only those whose volunteerism is inspired by elk, but everyone who gives of their time and talents for wildlife and wild places.”
For tips on how to get started as a volunteer for conservation, visit the link/URL below:
http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2009/Volunteer.htm
Nationwide, RMEF boasts 10,000 volunteers who conservatively average 80 hours of donated labor annually, for a total of 800,000 hours. The 2010 national average value for an hour of volunteer labor is $21.36, according to the nonprofit Independent Sector using U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics plus estimates for saved employee benefits.
RMEF volunteers coordinate and host banquets and other fundraisers, assist wildlife and land managers by building wildlife watering devices, conducting elk research, removing unneeded fencing and countless other jobs.