Only 25 percent went looking for community service opportunities on their own. Giving and Volunteering on the Rise Young people aren't the only ones more willing to volunteer. Both Americans and Canadians of all ages are looking for ways to donate their time to help causes. According to figures produced by the Independent Sector, a coalition of leading nonprofits, foundations and corporations, 55.5 percent of Americans say they volunteered in 1998, up 10 percent from 1987. Americans appear more and more willing to volunteer, provided it is for an organization or group that they believe in.
People really like to get involved in local issues.
The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy reported similar findings over the same time frame. That figure grew to 31 percent in 1997, Floyd says. Optimism and Young Volunteers With a trio of professionals telling us that the face of the volunteer is changing day by day, it may be time for Optimists to consider making some subtle changes. All the experts agree that young people define volunteerism in ever-changing ways. Optimist Clubs may have to follow suit if they want to continue to attract new members.