Who are volunteers? - Citizen-Board Member Branch - Brief Article

Parks & Recreation, March, 2003

About 59 million people did volunteer work last year. That's about one in four persons age 16 and older. Who are these wonderful people who take time out of their busy schedule to make the world a better place?

* More women volunteer than men.

* Employed persons are more likely to volunteer than unemployed or those not in the labor force.

* Among those 25 years of age and over, college graduates are four times more likely to volunteer than high school dropouts are.

* The most popular places to volunteer are those that focus on religion, education or youth services.

* Volunteers spent a median of 52 hours volunteering during the year.

* Volunteer rates were lowest among persons age 65 years and over (22.7 percent) and among those in their early 20s (18.2 percent). Teenagers had a relatively high volunteer rate, 26.9 percent, perhaps reflecting an emphasis on volunteer activities in schools.

* Parents with children under age 18 were more likely to volunteer than their childless counterparts. Married people are more likely to volunteer than those not married.

By knowing who your volunteer market is, you'll be better able to expand your numbers. And to get them in the door? Half of those surveyed chose to volunteer on their own initiative, while half were asked to volunteer.

Citizen advocates and park board members can receive extensive training on programs that address their needs at the Citizen-Board Member Institute at the NRPA Southeast Regional Conference & Trade Show, March 28 to April 2 in Birmingham, Ala. Focal topics include citizen board member training, creative funding strategies, why and how citizen board should be involved, and a special parks and recreation risk management seminar that you won't want to miss.

For more information, go to www.nrpa. org or contact 423-424-3880 or senrap@ aol.com.