Ways to volunteers and the benefits of doing so
Alexis de Tocqueville, a French civil servant, was impressed with America's service-mindedness when he made a nine-month visit to the United States in 1831. He wrote in “Democracy in America”: “In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example.”
Although the U.S. has changed in many ways, Americans are still viewed as a people willing to roll up sleeves and pitch in where needed. By November, for example, two months after Hurricane Harvey dumped 5 feet of rain on Houston, more than 10,000 Samaritan's Purse volunteers had joined relief efforts.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 findings, the most current on this subject, show a quarter of the population volunteers, compared to the global volunteer average of 10%.
Studies indicate volunteerism benefits not just the receiver but the giver as well. A UnitedHealthcare/ VolunteerMatch study determined mental and emotional benefits to spending free time helping others: 93% of people reported an improved mood, 79% reported lower stress levels, and 88% reported increased self-esteem.
Currently, homelessness is a target concern for many; there are at least 500,000 homeless people in America. Some volunteers quietly assemble food and clothing packets in an office or their home, while others assist on the streets and in shelters.
Some volunteers are at-the-ready when natural disasters strike.
When volunteer needs are unclear, organizations such as VolunteerMatch help connect people with opportunities. Local churches, newspapers, schools and chambers of commerce are resources. Plus, usa.gov/volunteer is a thorough list of volunteer websites.
Can't volunteer time? Give. Organizations always need donations of money or supplies.