Feb282007
A Good Trend: Volunteerism in America
Americans have always been people who survive all manner of challenges. I believe this is because we all realize that human beings need to help one another out, especially in times of great hardship.
The horrific, world-changing events we’ve seen in the past few years – the terrorists attacks of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and tsunami in South Asia, in particular – have really put us to the test. But like always, we pulled together and all gave what we could to provide assistance and selfless compassion to those in need. It poured out from every corner of our country.
Witnessing the power of these relief efforts in the aftermath of these tragedies really brought home the importance of making an effort for others. Recently, I came across this article in the Christian Science Monitor. It talks about the rise in volunteerism in America today, and how the small, combined efforts of individuals CAN make a difference.
Here’s a short excerpt:
More Americans than ever before are volunteering. In 2005, 29 percent of adults were serving – a 30-year high, according to a December report by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
It’s partly because volunteerism is uniquely rooted in the American character, some experts say. Barn-raisings and harvest seasons bonded communities long ago. Today, as mentoring, drug rehabilitation, and other programs depend primarily on volunteers, and as religious groups reach far beyond their congregations to address social problems, the trend is poised to engender real change, says David Eisner, chief executive of the CNCS.
“There are no other countries that have the kind of deep-rooted volunteering ethic that we have,” Mr. Eisner says. “If we’re able to engage volunteers in our country to visit these issues … volunteers won’t just turn the tide and make a difference, but we can fundamentally solve some of our most intractable problems.”
Take a look at the full article. I think it might warm your heart, like it did mine.
Why volunteerism has reached historic high in US
Warmly,
Russ
Founder of Winning In The Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute
Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
