April 2015, Volume 11, Issue 4, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
The Benefits of Volunteering
Contact us:
501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS, 66502-6005 785-776-8829 phone 785-776-0679 fax chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777 Connect with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce through Social Media.
National Volunteer Week – April 12-18, 2015 – is a time to
celebrate and thank the 62.8 million volunteers who choose to dedicate their time and talents to their communities. Volunteers make a huge difference. Becoming a volunteer not only benefits your community but can also benefit you by:
• Building relationships. Being a volunteer can be a very social experience. You get to meet all sorts of different people, work with others and make new friends.
• Learning new skills. When volunteering you are often exposed to new experiences or asked to do things you might
Volunteering in the United States 2014*
• 62.8 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between Sept 2013 and Sept 2014 • Volunteer rate for men (22.0%) • Volunteer rate for women (28.3%) • By age, 35-44 year olds were most likely to volunteer (29.8%) • Teenagers (16-19) had a volunteer rate of 26.2% • Married persons volunteered at a higher rate (30.0%) • Most volunteers were involved with either one or two organizations - 71.4% and 18.6% respectively • Volunteers spent a median of 50 hours on volunteer activities during the period from Sept 2013 to Sept 2014 *Economic News Release; Volunteering in the United States, 2014 (bls.gov)
The data on volunteering was collected through a supplement to the September 2014 Current Population Survey (CPS). The supplement was sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The CPS is a monthly survey of about 60,000 households that obtains information on employment and unemployment for the nation's civilian non institutional population age 16 and over. Volunteers are defined as persons who did unpaid work (except for expenses) through or for an organization.
not have done before. You get to learn new things and maybe discover something you really enjoy.
• Boosting your self-esteem. Helping others and knowing that you’re making a difference can make you feel good about yourself and brighten your mood.
• Developing hobbies or interests. If you have a hobby or interest that you love, why not volunteer for something that nurtures that hobby? You get to do something you enjoy and help others at the same time.
Volunteering Matters
Volunteering for my community means a sense of belonging and commitment to those around me. ~Brad Hartenstein, Flint Hills Area Builders Association
I volunteer because I believe we are here to serve others. ~DeAnn Waldron, Cox Media
Volunteering for my community means making a difference by showing you care thru good deeds, hospitality, and the power of welcome. ~ Josh Stockman, Pizza Hut
• Helping your career. Skills that you learn through volunteering can help you at your job. It can even influence employers to hire you since volunteer work shows commitment and dedication. • Inspiring others. When you volunteer you can inspire those around you to take initiative and make a difference.
I volunteer because meeting, greeting and helping other people and organizations is helpful to them and our business. ~Frank Connizzo, Danker Roofing
Volunteering for my community means involvement in the community where I live, work and play. ~ Lynne Hartman, Advanced Property Management, Inc. I volunteer because my time and talents can contribute to the continued reinvention of Manhattan and the Flint Hills Region. Together we grow! ~ Scott Olesky, Eagle Communications I volunteer because I love watching Manhattan grow. ~ Doug Chapman, Eagle Communications
Volunteering for my community means stepping up to offer whatever talents and gifts I have to help others. ~ Linda Jones, AFLAC –Linda Jones
I volunteer because serving enables us to go beyond ourselves and find real joy! ~ Genae Denver, Manhattan Christian College I volunteer because I feel it is important to give back. ~Lindsay Randall, Flint Hills Radio
Volunteering for my community means that both I and my neighbors have an enriched life. ~ Anthony Gorman, Waddell & Reed