Volunteers Key to Community Strength

Quinn Swanson
Oct 16
4 min read

For some time I’ve been thinking about what keeps the flywheel moving in communities. Of course, it’s people - dedicated, committed, passionate people willing to give their time and energy.

Many of us enjoy the fruits of this nearly invisible labor. By this I mean that events, services, and activities put on in our communities are available only because there are active organizations and volunteers to do so. This is everything from Town Festivals and Celebrations to Farmer’s Markets and Community Meals and so much more.

Two women in reflective vests by an adopt-a-highway sign. — HDT staffers Nora W. and Delaney D. at Driftless road cleanup site. Photo by Nora W.

For years, though, the pool of people willing to step up and step in has appeared to be shrinking. This unfortunately resulted in further pressure on those currently volunteering to not only continue but to do more. Not surprisingly, this often leads to burnout and a disinclination to serve at all. It’s not hard to see why many things that rely on volunteers are struggling. If you are part of an organization that is volunteer-run or relies heavily on volunteers, you are likely more than accustomed to this dynamic.

How we got here is complex and multi-faceted – our lives have changed in a number of ways. When civic organizations and clubs were thriving, our work-lives were different. In yesteryear, jobs were far more local, they didn’t require the commute of today (or the zero commute of remote working) and most jobs provided (at that time) a livable wage, meaning that multiple jobs weren’t necessary to make ends meet. “Free” time existed in the evenings. As did a thriving group social environment – whether service driven (Elks, Odd Fellows) or otherwise (Bowling League, Dancing).

Today, the way people spend their “off” time looks different. Instead of filling evenings with club commitments (Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Quilting, Choir, etc) or community activities, many people retreat home and stay there. Our access to entertainment is endless and we, seemingly, have the whole world of relationships at our fingertips. Yet, the data (as shared by former Surgeon General, Vivek Murphy) indicates that we are more lonely, isolated, and disconnected. And sadly that we are more polarized -- in part because the way we spend time is only reinforcing our beliefs (socials and news that affirms views; relationships and networks that highlight how aligned we are on certain topics and how wrong the “other side” is).

Shared Work Brings Trust, Respect & Care

Enter another upside to volunteer work: Face-to-face conversations, small talk and fellowship, as well as standing alongside your neighbor as you serve meals all allow for a different type of relationship regardless of differences. This is one of the beautiful strengths of service: it brings people together for a shared purpose and through that you learn to trust, respect (or at least appreciate), and care for those you are serving with and likely who you are serving, too.

After the above paragraphs, you may think, yeah, that sounds like the issues I’ve heard in my community. Perhaps even in the rooms in which you are serving. A refrain that’s nearly impossible not to hear (or even say) is “Who could serve/help/volunteer… (as a Board Member, a committee member, a volunteer driver, a forever set of hands, etc.)”. A report from USA Facts. Org (2023) indicates that formal (through organizations) volunteering by generation is holding fairly steady in the 27-32% range across Baby Boomers, GenerationX, and Millennials. There is a slight drop with Generation Z (1997-2012) to 24.5%. There is not yet data for those born after 2012.

Blue and pink bar chart showing percentage of volunteer rates by generational group.

There are certainly no indications that the need for volunteers is shrinking – if anything it may be growing. The number of nonprofits is growing. And while not all nonprofits utilize volunteers to help accomplish their mission, many do. Additionally, when there is economic uncertainty and changes in state or federally provided services, nonprofits often need to fill gaps and provide the support that people need to survive.

Although it can feel like there is little we can individually do in the face of larger challenges and issues, we can contribute powerfully and meaningfully. And, in my view, we need to. Whether you volunteer informally by helping neighbors, coworkers, others or you volunteer in a more formal setting through an organization - we all have the capacity to be part of the solution, to create the communities we want to live in, work in, and enjoy.

Consider inviting someone else to join you! Introduce service and volunteerism opportunities to your children, family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and beyond. Highlight the things you most enjoy about the organization, the service project, etc. Sometimes there are special benefits to volunteers -- free admission to the event you are helping with, often T shirts are an incentive, sometimes it’s early entry (like shop the books sale first). Yes, it can feel awkward, which is why I think many don’t ask. But know that not everyone easily identifies opportunities to help or considers themself a “joiner.”

Two women seated at a table in a school hallway. — Registration volunteers at the 2025 Back to Basics event. Photo by Tanya Villano.

Not Currently Volunteering and/or Would Like to Do More?

Is there an issue you find concerning? Is there a group working to improve the situation? Is there a way you can contribute to their success? Is it time? Is it advocacy/support/sharing about their work? Is it a monetary contribution? Depending on the season of your life - there may be more or less that you can do but there is almost certainly some way you can help.

For All of Us

Are there opportunities throughout the day you can pitch in - small efforts contribute to wellbeing boosts for you and others: opening doors for those with their hands full; offering help to someone struggling; helping clean up after a meeting/event/meal; etc. These are acts of service, we can all be part of bettering today.