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The 2009 Volunteering in America report released today finds that despite the economic recession, Americans continue to give back to their communities, providing needed capacity to stretched non-profit organizations. This is especially the case among the Millennial Generation, those born 1982 or after, including college students and young adults.
Among the findings:
• 61.8 million Americans, or 26.4% of the population, volunteered over 8 billion hours of service in 2008, worth an estimated $162 billion
• 441,000 more young adults (ages 16-24) volunteered in 2008 than in 2007
• 27% of college students volunteered in 2008, up from 24.8% in 2007
• The number of Millennials volunteering rose from 8.6 million to more than 9.8 million in 2008
“Today’s report is another example of how voluntarism and community engagement are important hallmarks for our generation,”
When it is launched in beta form next year, myImpact.org will be an online platform for young Americans in full and part-time national and community service programs. Users will be able to track their impact over time and in a greater context using social media. An important element of the platform will be enhancing relationships established during volunteering and service, both on and off-line.
“We know that the real impact of volunteering can not be adequately measured by numbers or figures,” said Chris Golden, co-founder of myImpact.org. “Giving just a little time can truly change the life of a person in need. This report shows that even in tough times, Americans take it upon themselves to solve problems and to give back. The impact they have on our communities and country each day is inspiring,” he said.
The full report is available at www.volunteeringinamerica.gov. News on the development of myImpact can be found at www.myimpact.org.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
