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Get ready to celebrate the amazing individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making the world a better place on National Volunteers Month, which occurs every December 1. This month-long celebration was first established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon to recognize the efforts of volunteers in their communities. Whether it's helping out at a local soup kitchen, organizing a charity event, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, volunteers play a vital role in creating positive change. So let's take this opportunity to thank and honor these selfless individuals for their hard work and dedication!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1740</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Volunteer Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Benjamin Franklin establishes the Union Fire Company, one of the first volunteer fire departments in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1870</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Organized Red Cross Volunteerism</div><div class='timeline-text'>Clara Barton forms the American branch of the International Red Cross, emphasizing organized volunteer efforts in times of crisis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Deal Volunteer Programs</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Roosevelt's New Deal creates programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration, encouraging national volunteerism during the Great Depression.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Volunteer Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Volunteers Month is officially recognized and established by President Richard Nixon to celebrate and appreciate volunteerism in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Launch of AmeriCorps</div><div class='timeline-text'>The federal government launches AmeriCorps, a national service program that promotes community service and develops volunteer leaders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>United Nations Volunteer Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations' State of the World's Volunteerism Report highlights that volunteering fosters creativity, drives social change and most importantly, benefits local communities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a volunteer appreciation event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a special event to recognize and thank all the volunteers in your community. This can be a dinner, luncheon, or even a simple coffee and dessert gathering.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a volunteer recognition program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Develop a program that highlights the outstanding contributions of volunteers in your organization or community. This can include awards, certificates, or other forms of recognition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a volunteer fair</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring together different volunteer organizations and opportunities in your area for a volunteer fair. This is a great way to connect potential volunteers with causes they are passionate about.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer together as a group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and volunteer together for a day. This can be a fun and meaningful way to give back to your community and bond with those around you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share volunteer stories on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media to share stories of volunteers making a difference in your community. This can inspire others to get involved and show appreciation for those who are already volunteering their time.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Volunteers make a difference in their communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Volunteers Month is a time to recognize and applaud the hard work and dedication of volunteers all over the country. From helping with disaster relief efforts, to working at local food banks or mentoring children, volunteers make a positive impact in their communities every day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Volunteering promotes personal growth and development</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only do volunteers help those in need, but volunteering also has many benefits for the volunteers themselves. It can improve mental health and self-esteem, provide opportunities for new experiences and skills, and foster a sense of community and connection with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Volunteering strengthens society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By giving back through volunteering, individuals and communities come together to support and uplift each other. This helps build a stronger society by promoting compassion, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility. National Volunteers Month reminds us to appreciate and continue the important work of volunteers in making the world a better place.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteering has a noticeable impact on mental health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several studies have proven that volunteering can lead to reduced levels of stress and depression. It gets people engaged socially and provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment which positively impacts their psychological well-being.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The volunteering sector represents a significant part of the economy</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 63 million Americans volunteered nearly 7.9 billion hours in 2015. These services are valued at about $184 billion showing how volunteering significantly contributes to the country's economy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The majority of volunteers are not affiliated with any organization</h3><p class='facts-content'>Approximately 51% of all volunteers do not do their philanthropic work through organizations. These individuals prefer sharing their time directly with people who need their help rather than doing so under a formal umbrella.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The median volunteer hour contribution is substantial</h3><p class='facts-content'>On average, a person volunteers 52 hours per year. This shows the level of commitment individuals are willing to make to support the causes they believe in.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteers come from all walks of life</h3><p class='facts-content'>People from various backgrounds, age groups, and educational levels participate in volunteering. The diversity of volunteers ensures a rich variety of skills and experiences being brought forth to address myriad societal challenges.</p></div></div>
National Volunteers Month is celebrated on December 1 every year. In 2024 National Volunteers Month will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Dec 1
Friday
2024
Dec 1
Sunday
2025
Dec 1
Monday
2026
Dec 1
Tuesday
2027
Dec 1
Wednesday
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