We Volunteer the Most In a Recession

2010 February 9
tags: , , ,
by Grace Boyle

I write about giving, a lot. I always say, “Giving is living,” and I still like to believe (even though I’m jaded) that deep down, there is still goodness in people.

My deep down beliefs are (surprisingly, often) verified.

A recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that about 63.4 million people ages 16 and older volunteered at least once between September 2008 and September 2009. This is a 1.6 million increase from volunteering in 2008.

That’s about one in four Americans who volunteer.

Photo Credit

So we talk shit about our country; what we do wrong, how we do it wrong and the bad people, but I also like to hear and report on the good news too. I’m right there with the cynics. I’ve lived abroad – I know the comparison between varying policies, beliefs and people. But really – you know what you focus on can grow. Don’t ever underestimate.

From an age perspective, volunteers who are 65 and older typically worked about 90 hours during the year, while those 25 to 34 years old typically volunteered 36 hours annually.

I currently volunteer and am involved with three organizations, another one last year, and continually meet with people (often strangers, passed along to me) looking for jobs or to help acclimate them to Boulder (my own volunteer project I’ve taken on). I don’t really have time, but I make the time because it’s important, worth it and I’m passionate about it.

“In this time of economic distress, the need for service and volunteering is more critical today than ever before, and Americans are responding,” said Stephen Goldsmith, board chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

So how do you respond? Are you finding you volunteered more in between layoffs, working part time or helping others out in times of need?

Note: The BLS and the Census Bureau collected the data for the report in partnership with the government-run community service corporation, which administers volunteer programs including Senior Corps and AmeriCorps.

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from → Community, Inspiration, News, Social Cause

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  • http://chelseatalkssmack.blogspot.com/ Chelsea Talks Smack

    I need to volunteer period….I'm one selfish biatch.

  • http://fiwk.blogspot.com Royce

    I love everything about this post. I give blood and work with some local sports groups, but what I really want to do is get extremely involved with an environmental volunteering group. Nothing fantastic has been available in my immediate area and I haven't tried hard enough to find alternatives.

    I'm curious about your multiple volunteering engagements – how'd you get hooked up with them and why did you start working with them? Which group(s) would you grow your role with, if you had the time and opportunity?

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Chels You're not selfish! You're doing a lot. I try to mix in my busy social fun and business life with a little volunteering. You never know what might come of it ;)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Royce Here are some resources (the volunteer / non-profit geek that I am): http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and I have also heard of http://www.laworks.com/HomePage/index.php/home…. & http://www.weservela.com.

    I have ridden horses my whole life competitively and so I wanted to help with horses, which is why I sought out Colorado Horse Rescue. Ladies Who Launch I found through perusing Craigslist and then totally clicking with the leader, Girls In Tech through my work and blogging within the Boulder community and The Wellness Initiative a friend invited me because she knew I'm always interested and have a background in yoga.

    I think with volunteering it sort of falls into place. I have this philanthropic mindset and people look out for you when you're looking to give back. Also, online research never hurts :)

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  • http://www.solitarypanda.com/ floreta

    i volunteered in india for two weeks not too long ago. sometimes, i feel like volunteering is more of a face/photo op thing to make yourself look good. at least, i can say it's a confession of mine that my motives may not be too divine :P

  • cameronplommer

    Great post. Glad you pointed this wonderful fact out. And I'm happy you are reported GOOD NEWS. That's the main reason I avoid the news in general: its all negative.

    Anyway, I just started volunteering this past fall while in college. Once I graduated in December I had a few job prospects but it came down to this: take the sales job that isn't exactly in my field; or do I take the volunteer position (suppose to become paid within a year) with a nonprofit in my field? I chose the non profit, Sustainable Seattle, because I'm passionate about the organization and the work I get to do.

    What really tipped it for me is that I am getting so much more out of this position than I would have ever gotten out of a paying job. This is the first job where I'm actually excited to do it! Weird huh. I actually blogged about this lately on my new blog

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Floreta Thanks for stopping by. I love your blog!

    I totally understand where you're coming from. Before finding this piece of research I wrote (http://smallhandsbigideas.com/health/were-born-…) that we are born to help (similar study). A friend posted the same thing as you and an eloquent reply from Jenny Blake summed it up nicely:

    “At the end of the day – if helping others is selfish AND altruistic – who cares? In that case, everybody wins. And may the planet be a better place for it.” What do you think?

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Cameron Thank you! I'm happy to hear that you enjoy this post and the GOOD news. I really enjoyed hearing your story. I'm a proponent for following your intuition and consequently, your passion. It sounds like you have done just that and happiness has followed.

    Thanks for the RT and sharing your story!

  • Brittaniens

    I just came across your blog and in love! I will definitely be subscribing, but with my intro out of the way, I just wanted to say I've noticed more hands eager to help out during the past two years (coincidence to your title). I've always been a firm believer in the idea in order to get where you want in life and achieve everything you desire, you have to place the same ideas in others and push others with their own goals. Somehow, this act resembles a mirror and what you wish to see is what you'll get in return. With that being said and going off of Grace's shoutout, http://www.volunteermatch.com is a fabulous site to give a brief overview of organizations who could use your help and the ability to narrow down your search by your interests. Could it be any easier? Nope, it's just the next step of calling and setting aside time most of us neglect. Thank you for this post!

    Get out there and lend a hand.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Brittaniens Thanks for the link and kudos on my blog! I have heard of Volunteer Match and it's a great opportunity/website.