If the commonly held belief that we get what we give holds true, there are an abundance of reasons to give of ourselves to our communities. However, a recent article in The Huffington Post reveals that volunteer rates have currently hit an all-time low in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that 2013 saw the lowest percentage of people volunteering since 2002, the year in which the Bureau began tracking such information. Statistics have not yet been published for 2014.
Now is the perfect time to begin a tradition of compassion and service. Although there has been a decrease in the amount of people who volunteer, there is not likely a correlated decrease in the needs of others who would benefit from such help. As individuals, volunteer service provides social (and some studies have suggested health) benefits to those who give their time and skills to help better their communities.
As we approach the holiday season and the new year, perhaps we can all aim to find new ways to pay it forward. As individuals and as workplaces, we could affect real change in the lives of others and ourselves if we each make a commitment to give back.
Will you be engaging in volunteer service in the new year?
Do you believe in giving back? If so, how?
