NOTABLE
» Americans’ involvement in volunteerism and service to others has returned to or, in some cases, surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Biannual research by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps found that more than 75 million people in the United States who were 16 or older volunteered through an organization between September 2022 and September 2023. While that’s good, it’s still only 28.3% of the population (in that age range). Meanwhile, 54.2% of Americans said they “helped or exchanged favors with neighbors” during that time frame, up from 51.7% in 2019.
QUOTABLE
» Winning Words
Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.
– JOHN F. KENNEDY
Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.
– ANONYMOUS
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.
– ANONYMOUS
(Often attributed to Winston Churchill)
I slept, and dreamed that life was joy;
I woke, and found that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.
– POET ELLEN STURGIS HOOPER
The Dial, Volume 1, No. 1, July 1840
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DOABLE
» 3 Key Plays
1. Plug in
There are more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the United States that rely on volunteers for some or all of the work they provide. Take a few minutes to reflect on the things you value and the issues that matter most to you. Do a little research to find organizations that share those values and address those issues. Then join in their efforts in whatever way you can to serve their needs.
2. Dig in
Volunteering often begins with a toe in the water, and that’s fine. Once we find a fit, however, there comes a time when we need to dive in and play a bigger role. We need to give more money, perhaps, or invest more time or move into leadership roles on committees or boards.
3. Stay in
Volunteering can tax our energy and drain us mentally and emotionally, so it’s wise to take breaks and avoid burn out. The key, in my experience, is to make rest intentional and to never disappear entirely from service work. Instead of saying something vague like, “I’m going to step away for awhile,” say something like, “I’m going to step away for three months and then assess my role. Please hold me accountable to that.” If you need a break, take a break. But take it with a plan to re-engage.
The Monday Playbook delivers a quick, motivational plan to help you win your week as you tackle universal challenges in leadership, business, and life.
