On Thanksgiving, Americans are reminded to pause and give thanks for the comforts and security in our lives and for the people we share those things with. When we do so, it puts into perspective not only what we have but also what we can give. The Giving Season is not so much about material gifts as it is about personal ones. Giving the gift of your time can be more special and powerful than any material item. It can transform lives.
Acts of Service
Volunteering in any way, formally or informally, can make an impact in more ways than one. For example, raking your elderly neighbor’s yard would have an obvious impact on your neighbor and yourself, but it could also plant a seed of inspiration in others who witness it. Your action could motivate a neighbor three houses down to plan a night for their family to volunteer at a local food bank. Hearing their story could inspire a relative to volunteer at a residential facility for older adults. One simple act of kindness truly can spur a movement of giving.
This month, AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau released the latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America research. The results showed that between 2022 and 2023, more than 75 million Americans chose to sign up through an organization or association and do their part to address challenges facing their community. They responded to disasters, helped support people struggling with mental health, and helped address food security challenges in their underserved communities.
And while that number is impressive, even more Americans made a conscious choice to informally lend a helping hand to someone in need—more than 137 million people, to be exact. More than half the nation’s population made a simple act of kindness. And it all started with one person. Imagine the impact if everyone in America committed one act of kindness.
Volunteer to Empower Communities
AmeriCorps has been connecting people’s passion with a purpose for more than 30 years. From education to disaster services, environmental stewardship, economic opportunities, healthy futures, veterans and military families, and more, AmeriCorps has a program for anyone willing to serve their community. And this Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service, hundreds of thousands of Americans will unite to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through service and volunteerism.
On this National Day of Service, a day on, not a day off, to help build the Beloved Community. Volunteering has the power to bring people together in the most humbling and truest form and connect us all. By working together, we can all build stronger, more united communities.
Be the First
Be it formally or informally, this Giving Season, find ways to spread joy and kindness. The amazing thing about volunteering is that everyone has something to offer. Whether for a day or years, give the gift of time to help those who truly need it. Start your volunteering journey.
