Have you volunteered recently? If not, you might want to consider it. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and also improve yourself in the process. In fact, volunteering plays a vital role in promoting a healthier and more harmonious world, making it a worthy cause to support. National Volunteer Week is coming up from April 21st to 27th, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate the selflessness of volunteers and the positive impact their work has on society. Part of Global Volunteer Month, this week-long event acknowledges the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges while building stronger communities and transforming the world.
Established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week (NVW) is now observed in the United States through Points of Light. This year’s theme is “Shining a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve.” This theme perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the week, providing a fantastic opportunity to appreciate those who selflessly give their time for the greater good of others.
Volunteering is a versatile activity that can bring about positive change and make a difference in the world. In 2021 alone, an astonishing 60.7 million Americans volunteered their time and energy, dedicating a total of 4.1 billion service hours. This collective effort, worth approximately $122.9 billion, demonstrates the incredible power and impact we can achieve when we work together. Volunteering can take many forms, from collecting and distributing food (the most popular activity, with 24.2% of volunteers contributing their time to this cause) to fundraising, general labor (18.8%), and teaching/tutoring (17.9%). There’s a volunteering opportunity for everyone, no matter their skills or interests.
Volunteering has so many great benefits for the volunteer as well. When you volunteer, it builds your professional and personal connections. Research has found that volunteering can increase the chances of finding a job by 27%. Additionally, 60% of hiring managers believe that volunteering is a valuable asset when assessing job applicants. Volunteers also find a greater sense of purpose as they can experience joy when serving a cause bigger than themselves. Volunteers who devote 100+ hours annually are among the healthiest in the US, while 96% believe their volunteer work gave them an enhanced purpose.
At Credico, we don’t just talk about the power of volunteering; we embody it. We believe that volunteering is a way to give back, strengthen our community, and enhance our company. That’s why we’ve integrated it into our culture, dedicating our time and resources to this cause. Our Community Service Committee (CSC) actively seeks volunteering opportunities throughout the year. Earlier this year, 15 members of our legal and onboarding teams volunteered at a local food pantry, part of our ongoing effort to combat hunger in the city. We’ve also supported and volunteered with organizations dedicated to various causes, including food insecurity, stem cell/marrow donation, pediatric cancer research, clothing insecurity, animal welfare, and urban farming.
Volunteering is a way for us to remember how fortunate we are to have been in business for as long as we have, with the support of our talented teams. We are incredibly grateful for the past three decades of business and the immensely talented individuals who contribute their skills to our work every day. During this National Volunteer Week, we plan to reflect on how much we gain from giving back. By celebrating service, we also celebrate the opportunity to serve.