HERE’S TO VOLUNTEERS!

Volunteer Appreciation Week is here, in the midst of Global Volunteer Month. Across the country and around the world, people honor the spirit of volunteerism. It is right and proper that we do. The United States Census Bureau reported at the last census that 23% of people in the U.S. age 16 and older formally volunteered in their communities. Fully 51%, approximately 124.7 million people, volunteered informally, that is, not on a structured basis. 

Those numbers were from 2020 and 2021, when a pandemic forced us to isolate. Still, we volunteered, even at risk to ourselves. Census data also shows that between September 2022 and 2023, volunteers contributed more than $167.2 billion in economic value to our economy, based on 4.99 billion hours of service.

 Volunteers must step up as government reduces social services. We might have a robust debate about whether that is good, but we cannot disagree that it is a fact. We could also surely agree that the need does not disappear as government help dwindles. Genuine need beckons. Volunteers answer the call.
BPNN proves every day that the flame of volunteerism burns bright. Our orientation sessions are booked into the future. Service time slots are full. The vibrant leadership team of operations directors at BPNN serve more hours than ever. Our 1,100 volunteers are doing more.

Scripture tells us that of those to whom much is given, much will be required. We are a wealthy community in a rich nation. We choose to give back because we know it is the right thing to do. Motivated by faith, a yearning to connect with others, or the inherent desire to help the world, we volunteer. And our world is better for it.

Thank you, friends, for doing your part. Thank you for seeking to make a better world. Thank you for pushing back against cynicism with love of neighbors. Thank you for answering the clarion call to action.

Well done!