Where Are America's Volunteers?
Where Are America's Volunteers?
Files
Publication or External Link
Date
2018-10
Authors
Dietz, Nathan
Grimm, Robert T. Jr.
Advisor
Citation
Grimm, Robert T., Jr., and Dietz, Nathan. 2018. “Where Are America’s Volunteers? A Look at America’s Widespread Decline in Volunteering in Cities and States.” Research Brief: Do Good Institute, University of Maryland.
DRUM DOI
Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
While the United States recently experienced record highs in total volunteer hours and charitable dollars
given to community organizations, these seemingly positive numbers mask a troubling trend: fewer Americans
are engaging in their community by volunteering and giving than in any time in the last two decades.
The importance of recognizing and addressing this decline in American’s participation in their community
cannot be overstated. Throughout the country, volunteers work with congregations, charities, and other
nonprofit organizations to provide needed services of all types to people and communities. However, while
people, communities, and organizations all rely on the work provided by volunteers, volunteering also
generates indirect positive benefits for communities and for volunteers themselves.
Given the decline of charitable behaviors among Americans and the importance of these behaviors for the
well-being of individuals and communities, this brief analyzes data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the
Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS) to explore – for the first time – how the recent national decline
in American volunteering played out in all 50 states (plus the District of Columbia) and 215 metro areas. Every
September between 2002 and 2015, the CPS collected national statistics on volunteering through a supplemental
survey. Among its many strengths, the CPS sample includes more than 55,000 households that generate reliable
statistics for all states and most major metropolitan areas.