Volunteering Trends

According to the Volunteering in America report from Corporation for National and Community Service, rates of volunteering in America increased for the second year in a row. In 2009, an additional 1.6 million volunteers were added across the country. For the full report, see www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.

While the reasons for this increase are being studied by experts, I can offer my own thoughts on volunteering and why I joined the Marlborough Junior Woman's Group.

This morning's installment: Connecting to the Community

Although I've lived in Marlborough for over a decade, I realized if I dropped off the face of the Earth, it would make hardly a ripple in the city of Marlborough. My social connections (through family and work) were all out of town and mostly out of state. Similarly, my charitable activities were all national and international groups. I wanted to make an impact in my own town, in my own neighborhood. And I didn't have much information about the people who were making changes and serving the community, and I wanted to meet them! One frindge benefit - I've gotten some greats tips about local restaurants and service providers!

More thoughts about volunteering and joining a local volunteer group to come. Join in the discussion via Facebook!