Volunteering

Volunteering is an optional act where individuals or groups provide time and labor. This service is usually done for the benefit of a community. Most volunteers are not paid for their work. Some people use specialized training to help others. These experts might work in medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Other people provide help only when it is needed. This often happens during a natural disaster.

The word "volunteer" has a long history. It was first recorded in 1755. The term came from the noun "volunteer," which appeared in 1600. Back then, it described someone offering themselves for military service. The non-military meaning of the word appeared during the 1630s. In a military context, a volunteer army is made of soldiers who choose to enlist. This is different from a conscripted army where people are forced to serve. Even in the military, these volunteers receive regular pay.

During the 19th century, volunteering changed in America. People became more aware of those who were disadvantaged. This awareness helped fuel movements against slavery. In 1851, the first YMCA was started in the United States. The YWCA followed seven years later. During the American Civil War, women volunteered to sew supplies for soldiers. A woman named Clara Barton provided aid to servicemen. She was known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." Barton eventually founded the American Red Cross in 1881. She used volunteers to help victims of the Johnstown Flood in 1889.

The 20th century saw the rise of many formal organizations. The Salvation Army is one of the oldest groups helping disadvantaged people. In the early 1900s, groups like Rotary International and Lions Clubs International were founded. During World War II, thousands of volunteer offices managed people helping the military. These volunteers collected supplies and cared for the injured. After the war, people began volunteering overseas. In 1960, the United States created the Peace Corps. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a War on Poverty. This helped expand many volunteer opportunities.

Today, there are many specific types of volunteering. Service-learning programs allow students to earn educational credit through community service. This method combines academic study with real-world help. Skills-based volunteering uses a person's professional talents to help nonprofits. Traditional volunteering is valued at about $18 to $20 per hour. However, skills-based volunteering is valued at about $220 per hour. Virtual volunteering, or e-volunteering, happens online. These volunteers use computers or smartphones to work remotely. Micro-volunteering involves very small tasks done in short increments of time.

Volunteers are essential during emergencies and disasters. Disasters are events that test a community's ability to respond. This includes floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. The 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Japan brought in many first-time volunteers. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami also drew worldwide help. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a group called Occupy Sandy used social media to help. They provided food, shelter, and reconstruction help.

Volunteering also plays a role in business and schools. Many schools rely on volunteers to help run effectively. This can include teaching English to foreign language students. In the business world, many companies have Employee Volunteering Programs. A majority of Fortune 500 companies allow employees to volunteer during work hours. About 40% of these companies also give monetary grants to nonprofits. This helps the company build a good reputation and keep employees happy.

The impact of volunteering is massive. In 2012, about 64.5 million Americans volunteered. This was roughly 26.5 percent of the adult population. These people gave 7.9 billion hours of service. The value of that work was approximately $175 billion. This averages out to about 125 to 150 hours per person each year. Similar patterns of volunteering have been seen in the United Kingdom. These numbers show how much people contribute to society.