April is Global Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate volunteers and inspire volunteerism in communities large and small.
After several years of decline, volunteerism in the U.S. is finally climbing again. New research from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau shows that more than 75 million Americans—28.3% of adults—volunteered through an organization last year, a strong rebound from the pandemic dip. And beyond formal service, over half of Americans (54.2%) supported neighbors informally, from running errands to lending tools.
At the same time, national nonprofits like Points of Light note that people increasingly want to contribute and feel that community service matters—yet many still question whether their individual efforts can make a meaningful impact. That tension continues to shape how Americans show up for one another.
“Volunteers are crucial to solving pressing challenges, creating vibrant communities and strengthening our social fabric,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Every person has something to share or give.”
To boost volunteer engagement during Global Volunteer Month, Points of Light is sharing the following ways you and your family can make a positive impact in your neighborhood or town:
Spread the word: Use the Global Volunteer Month toolkit, along with the hashtag #GlobalVolunteerMonth to thank volunteers. Be sure to tag a volunteer whose impact you appreciate.
Take the pledge: To show your commitment to volunteering, take Points of Light’s pledge. Then, discover ways to get involved that support your favorite cause and availability using Points of Light Engage, a database featuring hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities worldwide, including some in your area. Globally, informal volunteering—neighbors helping neighbors, community care, mutual aid—remains the most common form of service. According to the United Nations, informal volunteering is significantly more widespread than formal volunteering through organizations.
Expand your impact: Learn about the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that outlines the many forms of civic engagement. These actions include listening and learning, using one’s voice, social entrepreneurship, volunteering, public, national or military service, using one’s purchasing power to express values, working, voting and donating.
Get inspired: Points of Light recognizes ordinary people doing extraordinary things to strengthen communities and solve persistent problems with its Daily Point of Light Award. Know an outstanding volunteer in your community? Nominate them as a Daily Point of Light by visiting pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight.
No matter the scale, Points of Light recognizes the spirit of volunteerism as a driving force of change around the world.
“We’re celebrating volunteers around the world all month long, as well as calling on people to take action. Throughout April, lend your time, talent and passion to a cause you care about and invite others to join you, creating a ripple effect of change,” said Sirangelo.
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) PeopleImages / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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