NRPA Research Update, April 2006 Making the Most of Volunteers A study shows volunteers are giving their time in exchange for community and social benefits By Athanassios (Ethan) Strigas, Ph.D. Volunteer labor is extremely valuable to an organization because it provides its administrators with the ability to sustain services and to expand the quantity, quality and diversity of these services, while keeping a project’s budget within its prespecified limits (Strigas & Jackson, 2004). For individuals associated with voluntary organizations, offering time, services and expertise helps increase self-esteem, facilitates new relationships, develops skills and abilities, reduces depression levels, and builds healthier attitudes about aging (Shin & Kleiner, 2003).