Cactus Village Community

Volunteering Is Seen As a Virtue

Aug 23, 2003

As Reported By The Associated Press

Volunteering one?’s time is a virtue, but apparently very few of us actually do it. In a survey of 2,000 people by the United Way of America, only about a third of the respondents had given any of their time in the past 12 months, although 97% said they considered volunteering an important endeavor.

What Gives? Most blamed the boss - 37% said a demanding work schedule ate up their time. Not knowing how to get started was another reason given for respondents?’ inertia, by 8%. A lack of interest, transportation problems, age/health issues, safety concerns and family obligations also were cited. One potential option for increasing volunteerism appears to be through work. Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed said they would volunteer through their jobs, if their bosses helped arrange it and if it didn?’t conflict with their regular duties.

?“These findings show that Americans have a true desire to become more active in their communities,?” said Brian Gallagher, United Way?’s president and chief executive. ?“It is now our challenge to take the necessary steps to encourage citizens to match that desire with action.?”. . . ☺