In Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, written in 1840, he shares “the health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.”
AKA volunteerism, people.
Fast forward to the release of the 2018 Volunteering in America Report, produced by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps. Here is what they have to say:
1. Over 77 million American adults (30.3%) volunteered through an organization.
2. These Americans volunteered 6.9 billion hours. The value of those hours is an estimated $167 billion dollars! (based on Independent Sector’s estimate of the average value of a volunteer hour)
3. Working mothers volunteer at a rate of 46.7%, the highest rate of any other demographic!
This research is based on data collected for each of the past 15 years. It includes profiles for all states, including New York. The complete report can be accessed at: www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov/serve/via
SO, WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY WITH VOLUNTEERS?
In 2018, United Way of Broome County mobilized 1,961 volunteers who gave 7,331 hours of volunteering for a value of $213,992 for our very own community!
These volunteers served on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, during National Volunteer Week in April, on the National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11) and during our Day(s) of Caring in September. Broome County sure knows how to Live United!
Looking to be part of these local events and make an impact right here in our community?
Volunteer with United Way of Broome County. United Way of Broome County is always hosting a variety of community engagement events, uniting volunteers to make a difference for our neighbors. Projects can host individuals or groups and offer teambuilding and networking opportunities. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity fill out the Volunteer Profile Form or sign-up for our emails to stay up-to-date on future United Way volunteer events. There is power in working together, United as a community.
If your organization has a volunteer project, we want to hear about it! We have done a range of projects including children’s book swap events, new clothing drives, item drives, literacy kit packaging, meal-packing events, local community garden projects, and more! Some projects might require a financial commitment in addition to volunteer time. United Way can help with planning, distribution or items or consultation on how best to organize these projects!
To host a volunteer project fill out the Volunteer Project Form and we will work to match the right volunteers to get the job done.
Looking for more?
COME TO THE ANNUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING CONFERENCE AND RECOGNITION LUNCHEON!
For those of you who coordinate volunteers or might be personally interested, join us for the Volunteer Training Conference and Recognition Luncheon on April 10, 2019, at The Binghamton Club, 83 Front Street, Binghamton. Consider joining us for a morning of workshops related to volunteer management, including Advocacy, Legal Issues, Nonprofit Storytelling and Creating a Personal Brand.
The day will also include a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon for a cost of $20.00 per person. Get the chance to network with others committed to creating a stronger, more vibrant Broome County, or even nominate volunteers! Learn more and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019VolunteerWeek
