Archive for the ‘pawesome poll’ Category

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics over 63 million Americans volunteered at least once in 2009 — that’s 26.8% of the population! When you consider that the estimated dollar amount of volunteer time is $20.85/ hour that is a whole lot of donated time, effort, and yes, dough.

By far, the most popular types of organizations to volunteer for are religious ones, chosen by about 34% of volunteers. Then comes educations/youth service (26%) and social or community service (14%). Environmental and animal care volunteer organizations pull in just around 2% (eep!) second to last in line above public safety (1.9%).

Gaining a better understanding of the why and where people choose to volunteer, as well as how long they’ll stay and what responsibilities they take on, is critically important in the non-profit world, where organizations lean heavily on the support of these unpaid staff members. Many non-profits would simply be unable to deliver the services they offer without the tireless work of their committed volunteer base.

If so, how did you get involved, what do you like about it, and what kind of volunteer work do you do?

If you used to volunteer and don’t anymore, why did you stop?

Image: San Jose Library.