Idaho ranks 2nd in the nation for volunteerism

December 19, 2014

Over 36 percent of Idahoans volunteered during 2013, the second highest percentage among the states, according to the latest report on volunteerism from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the National Conference on Citizenship. The annual “Volunteering and Civic Life in America” report found that more than 421,000 Idaho volunteers performed 62.3 million hours of service valued at over $1.4 billion. The rate is the percentage of people 16 or older who performed unpaid volunteer activities through or for an organization, based on U.S. Census Bureau data. “Volunteering in Idaho remains an important part of the fabric of our great state and a key component of civic life, enriching our communities and those who serve,” Serve Idaho Program Manager Renee Bade said. Idaho rose from third to second in its national ranking In addition to individual volunteerism, the Corporation for National and Community Service has committed more than $5.4 million to support Idaho communities through national service initiatives. Through public-private partnership, this federal investment will leverage an additional $2 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on tax dollars. Primarily through Serve Idaho, over 300 people in the AmeriCorps program will provide services to meet education, environmental, health, economic, and other pressing needs in communities across Idaho. Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho's AmeriCorps programs, Idaho’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth and the Governor’s Brightest Star Awards and hosts the annual Serve Idaho Conference on Service and Volunteerism. The commission developed the state model for Emergent Volunteer Reception Centers established during disasters for the Bureau of Homeland Security. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Idaho Department of Labor. More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is at www.serveidaho.gov .