American volunteerism

Americans are highly motivated to contribute financially to causes

which they believe. This is why they give generously to colleges, and
universities, hospitals and other nonprofit institutions:charitable,
religions and relief organizations and environmental groups. Huge
family foundations provide millions of dollars anually for charitable
causes. Schools, bussiness, factories encourage people to contribute
to one cause or another. One of the best-known methods is thought
the United Way, an umbrella organization that collects contributions
and then distributes them in form of money, clothing, or food to
various worthy causes. In addition, many organizations raise money
through direct mail ( or telephone) appeals. Letters from those
organizations arrive in the mail often, and individuals choose which
ones, if any, they will send contributions to.
https://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-pr
ojects/teaching/
The Start of Volunteering

A philanthropic spirit has been with

Americans since the very first pioneers
traveled west. Many historians believe
the earliest instances of the history of
volunteerism in America began when
colonists had to form support systems
in order to survive the many
challenges that came with relocation.
From farming the land to overcoming
devastating illnesses, togetherness
was vital for survival.
18th Century Volunteerism in America

In 1736, Benjamin Franklin

founded the first volunteer
firehouse. This tradition still
continues today, as many small
towns and cities have a volunteer
fire department that makes a
huge difference in local
community life.
https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_b
ezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunt
eer_firefighter
The 19th Century

The religious rejuvenations

during the Great Awakening of
the 1830s inspired young people
to get involve with outreach work
through various religious
organizations. Local churches ran
all sorts of relief programs,
helping the homeless and those
victimized by unforeseen
circumstances
The 20th Century

While most volunteers of the 18th

and 19th centuries found their
assignments through their church
or another private sector, the 20th
century is where mainstream
volunteer organizations really
began to flourish. The first
example of this is the start of the
Rotary Club, which was founded in
1910.
Just 24.9% of Americans spent time as volunteers in
2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a
smaller proportion than in any other year in over a decade.

Last years volunteer rate was down from the 25.3% of

Americans over the age of 16 who spent some time
volunteering in 2014. Recent levels are quite a bit lower
than the 28.8% rate from 2003-2005.
THANK YOU FOR
WATCHING!
Project made by Stoica Madalina
and Vaceanu Ramona