April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month. This designation was established to say thank you to those who dedicate their time to the service of others. National Volunteer Appreciation Month also encompasses National Volunteer Week, which was created to motivate people to help others within their communities. As we join to say thank you to our community volunteers this month, I would like to also encourage us all to find ways we can help one another, especially in our Coastal communities.
President Nixon established National Volunteer Week with an executive order in 1974 to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers. Every sitting U.S. president since Nixon has proclaimed during National Volunteer Week, as have many U.S. mayors and governors. Since then, the original emphasis on celebration has widened; the week has become a nationwide effort to urge people to get out and volunteer in their communities. Every April, charities, hospitals, and communities recognize volunteers and foster a culture of service.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, on an average day in 2022, more than 11 million people volunteered in some manner. It is no question that these individuals play an essential role in helping communities like ours to thrive. Without volunteers, many nonprofit and community outreach organizations would not be able to achieve their goals or provide services to those in need.
While volunteer activities are often performed with the objective of helping others, research has shown there are a number of individual and social rewards gained by volunteering one’s time. These benefits may include learning a new skill, expanding one’s social network, or gaining career experience. In fact, according to AmeriCorps, the federal agency charged with fostering volunteerism, volunteers are 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. Research has also shown volunteering has several health benefits, especially in those 65 and older. In addition to this, research has also found that those who volunteer often have lower mortality rates, improved mental health, and greater functional ability. To learn more about the benefits of volunteering, please visit AmeriCorps.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you have a question regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
