Volunteerism rebounds

Big and small ways Americans are making a difference.

In a one-year period in the United States alone, volunteers donated close to 5 billion hours of time, and their generosity contributed more than $167.2 billion in economic value. These figures come from the most recent US Census Bureau and AmeriCorps study, which tracks civic engagement across the nation.

Formal volunteerism, which saw a decline during the pandemic, is showing a strong rebound. And informal volunteering, like helping a neighbor, continues to rise. This is cause for celebration.

Volunteerism creates a vital link between individuals and their peers. It drives meaningful change, addresses unmet needs and strengthens the social fabric of a community.

Formal and informal volunteering

Formal volunteering opportunities are those you tend to think about when looking for ways to help in your community. This could be picking up a dog-walking shift at the local animal shelter or signing up for a serving slot at the neighborhood soup kitchen.

Last year, more than 75 million people 16 and older, or 28% of the population, volunteered in a formal capacity. While the number of hours each person volunteered has declined, the volume of people donating their time is nearing pre-pandemic levels. This increase is a sign of hope for the future of civic involvement.

Recently, the ways people volunteer their time has evolved. For the first time, the AmeriCorps study analyzed virtual volunteering, which gained popularity during the pandemic. These virtual opportunities include tasks like transcribing documents for a museum or managing social media accounts for nonprofits. Nearly one in five formal volunteers donated their time partially or completely online.

Informal volunteering also saw a rise during this period. Unlike formal roles coordinated by organizations, informal volunteering involves everyday acts of kindness, like mowing a neighbor’s lawn or delivering groceries to someone in need. People exchanged favors, which helped foster goodwill and lifted community spirits during a challenging time.

More than half of Americans 16 and older report lending a hand to others, with most saying they’re helping at least once a month. These opportunities can be more attractive because they’re often more flexible than formal volunteering and provide instant gratification, as volunteers get to see the direct impact they’re making in someone’s life.

How you can get involved

If you’re thinking about volunteering, the first aspect to consider is whether you’re looking for a formal opportunity. If you are, there are a couple of matching services to get you started down the right path. VolunteerMatch.org and Volunteer.gov can help you search for available opportunities in your area or virtually that match your interests. Categories include animals, arts and culture, education and literacy, disaster relief, crisis support, veterans and military families, and faith-based work.

In addition to thinking about your passions, consider how your skills would best benefit an organization. You may be surprised by what types of assistance nonprofits need most. There are different types of volunteers who contribute to an organization’s mission. Where do you fit?

• Mission ambassadors are passionate advocates who spread awareness of a cause or organization.
• Skill multipliers are professionals offering expertise to strengthen a nonprofit’s operations.
• Community connectors help bridge gaps between an organization and the public.
• Donors and fundraisers contribute financially or by hosting money-raising events.

If you’re already involved as a donor or fundraiser for nonprofits, ask about volunteering opportunities there. It will deepen your connection to the cause by allowing you to witness the impact the organization has on the community firsthand.

Of course, there are always informal volunteering opportunities available within your community if you’re looking for something more flexible. With awareness of unmet needs around you and by socializing your willingness and ability to lend a helping hand, you’ll come across ways to make a difference in individuals’ lives.

The benefits

Most nonprofits wouldn’t be able to function without the support of volunteers. In fact, about a third of the nonprofit workforce is comprised of volunteers. When nonprofits build a network of volunteers, this gives the organization more visibility and strengthens support for the cause. It tends to inspire and encourage others to join in furthering the mission.

Donating time to causes they care about is also fulfilling for the volunteers. Volunteering is linked to improved mental and physical health, life satisfaction, self-esteem and happiness, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

There are always opportunities to get more involved in your community. Decide how you want to participate and where your skills and passion will best fit. Ask your network where they see a need and find your own way to make an impact. You may even inspire others to join along with you.

Sources: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Quarterly, BMC Public Health