The big give: Surprising stats about U.S. volunteers -- Career Center Blog

July 28, 2008

The big give: Surprising stats about U.S. volunteers

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By Michelle Goodman
NWjobs

The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported yesterday that 26 percent of Americans age 16 or older volunteered for a non-profit organization in 2007. What's more, 36 percent of volunteers donated at least 100 hours of their time last year, the highest rate since 2002. (These stats courtesy of a new study by the Corporation for National and Community Service.)

Curiously, the study also found that you're more likely to volunteer if:

You live in Seattle or Portland. Both ranked in the top five big cities with the most volunteers. (Minneapolis-St. Paul was number one.)
You live in a college town (the more educated you are, the more you volunteer, the notion goes).
You live in Utah (44 percent of the state volunteers -- the highest rate in the nation).
You're a woman (29 percent of U.S. women volunteered last year; 23 percent of men did).

Perhaps the most surprising finding, courtesy of the Department of Labor's American Time Use Survey, is that people don't necessarily volunteer more when they have more leisure time; apparently those with less free time volunteer more. Check out these stats:

29 percent of volunteers aged 25 to 55 also spend time on child care on any given day, but just 19 percent of non-volunteers have child-care responsibilities.
Volunteers typically spend about 15 hours a week watching the tube, while non-volunteers spend 23 hours a week in front of the TV. (Maybe it's just me, but even 15 hours sounds like an awful lot of "Law and Order.")

Accordingly to the Chronicle, the more connected to a workplace or community you are, the more likely you are to volunteer (possibly because you've been asked to do so by your employer or community group). I wonder, though, whether this year's tough economy is affecting how generous people are with their time. So I'll be curious to see this study next year.

I'm also curious to hear what you think: Are you a past or present weekly volunteer? Do the above statistics add up for you, or do you get less volunteering done when you're more pressed for time and money? Has giving back to the community helped you feel more balanced in your life, or has it made you more harried? And finally, have you ever felt pressured to participate in a workplace volunteer program? Was it ultimately a positive experience or no?

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

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Susanna on July 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Reply

I am 32, single and an active volunteer, mostly through Seattle Works, but also on a weekly basis as a school-year tutor with the Youth Tutoring Program. Volunteering is necessary for my sense of balance and well-being. I had a scholarship in college that allowed me to volunteer instead of doing work-study and those habits (10 hours each week) have stayed with me for life. When I moved to Seattle four years ago, connecting with Seattle Works helped me to find friends with similar values and a shared commitment to civic engagement.

I'm taking a little break from volunteering this summer, seeking a different kind of balance and well-being, but I will return to it in the fall. It is, however, a constant challenge to not say yes to all the great opportunities that are out there!

anonymous on July 29, 2008 8:36 AM | Reply

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I'm glad to see that Christ's teachings of giving service are in effect. Utah has the largest concentration of members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and it shines as a light on a hill to the rest of the nation. I'm pleased to be part of a Church that practices what it preaches. Not only do we donate money, but we also give our time, which in some ways, is even more valuable. Personally, I spend 4-10 hours per week in unpaid voluntary service and I believe it makes me, my family, and my community a better place.

India Fitting on July 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Reply

I volunteer occasionally (annual film festival) for things that are of interest to me. I work in International Education and love most all things international so opportunities to volunteer for great organizations that support causes I believe in, is rewarding on a personal level and can be great on a professional level with regards to who you meet and what you learn. I also manage volunteers in my current position and have people (mostly university students) who offer their time and expertise on a consistent basis. My feeling is that there is an exchange of benefits. The organization can use the extra help and the volunteer is able to learn, have an experience that they then can talk about and apply to future situations. Just some thoughts.

Little City Farms on July 30, 2008 9:19 AM | Reply

I am so proud to live in Seattle where volunteering is an important part of civic life. I've been volunteering in some way since high school. This summer, I'm picking fruit for the food bank every-other week. Time rarely if ever factors into my decision of IF to volunteer, but of course effects when.

Community organizations desperately need volunteers who are willing to commit to longer-term positions, and I would argue that volunteers get more out of it when they commit--deeper friendships and the opportunities to continue to gain new skills. For those looking for the perfect opportunity, start with the United Way of King County (or your local United Way): www.uwkc.org.

The big give: Surprising stats about U.S. volunteers

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