According to my most recent newsletter from Youth Service America, volunteering is on the rise, despite a tough economy. This is great news for organizations all over the country who face increasing budget cuts.

Youth Service America reports, “Americans have answered President Obama’s call to service, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reported a significant increase in the number of volunteers and the volunteer rate in 2009. According to the BLS report, 1.5 million more Americans volunteered between September 2008 and September 2009 than did in the previous year. Approximately 63.4 million people, or 26.8 percent of the population, volunteered through or for an organization in 2009 compared to 61.8 million in 2008.”

Many thanks to all the dedicated volunteers throughout our great nation. Together, we can make a real difference! More data is available at National Service.