This is the time of year when many of us are making our lists (and checking them twice) for the gift-giving season. However, according to the latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America study we are releasing today, many are already sharing one of the greatest gifts we all have to give - our time.
The Corporation for National and Community Service issues this research every year in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship. Our goal is to provide a look into volunteering and civic life, including trends and demographics for the nation, every state, and 126 cities.
Volunteering remains strong across the nation, with 62.8 million Americans (1-in-4 adults) giving their time to an organization, donating 7.96 billion hours that valued at nearly $184 billion in 2014. Not only that, but volunteers reported 300 million more hours of service than the previous year, suggesting that those who volunteer are loving it and want to do more to help their communities.
The idea of neighbor helping neighbor also supports the idea that we are a nation that believes in the power of service with 138 million Americans (62.5 percent) engaging in "informal volunteering" - such as watching each other's children or helping out with shopping. More than one-third of Americans are involved in a school, civic, recreational, religious, or other organization.
The nation's parents with children under 18 continue to exceed the average volunteer rate at 31.6 percent and, working mothers have the highest rate of volunteering of all populations at 36 percent.
Generation X Volunteers Stand Tall
We continue to see the reach of volunteering stretch across generations. A higher percentage of Generation X members age 35-44 (28.6 percent) are volunteering now, leading all other demographic groups. More than 1-in-5 Millennials age 16-32 volunteer (21.7 percent), and those attending college volunteered at double the rate of those who did not. The culture of volunteering in the youngest generation is building but still has room to grow. And I am certain it will.
We have known for years that volunteering has many health benefits and helps people healthier lives. Americans 65 and older are serving more hours, at an average of 90 hours per volunteer. Additionally, seniors age 75 and older are even more involved volunteering more than 100 hours annually. Our seniors living proof that volunteering adds years to your life and life to your years!
Whether tutoring students or connecting veterans to services or responding to natural disasters, Americans are doing extraordinary things to improve lives and strengthen communities. As they serve others, volunteers help themselves by learning new skills, improving their health, and even increasing their employment prospects during a job search. You can learn more about our study at the Volunteering in America website.
We urge you to give your time and volunteer with your friends and family this holiday season and into the New Year. To find volunteer opportunities in your community, visit Serve.gov.
Wendy Spencer is the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve.