‘It’s who we are.’ Study ranks Utah No. 1 in nation in formal volunteer service.

Zone 6 cleanup with local volunteers and a donated dumpster from Republic Services, Washington County, Utah, March 28, 2022 | Photo courtesy Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Utah is again the national leader in volunteer service, according to the most recently released Volunteering and Civic Life in American research.

Families and volunteers work to complete homes through the Self-Help Homes sweat equity program, Hurricane, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Self-Help Homes, St. George News

Released this week, the latest research shows Utah was ranked No. 1 in the nation in formal volunteer service and No. 7 in informal service in 2021, according to a news release from the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement.

More than 999,000 Utahns volunteered through organizations, contributing an estimated $2.7 billion in economic value to the state. In addition, more than 1.4 million Utahns informally helped neighbors during the height of the pandemic.

The Volunteering and Civic Life in America research is the most comprehensive data assembled on American volunteering and civic engagement, the news release said. Based on a survey conducted by AmeriCorps and the United States Census every other year, the research includes data on volunteering through organizations, informal helping, and other civic behaviors.

The most recent results find that more than half of Americans, or 124.7 million people, informally helped their neighbors at least once in the past year. Additionally, more than 23 percent of Americans, or 60.7 million people, formally volunteered with an organization, giving more than 4.1 billion hours of service with an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion.

“Utah volunteers get things done,” said Loggins Merrill, director of UServeUtah, the state’s commission on service, in the news release. “Volunteerism makes a significant impact on Utah’s ability to meet so many local needs.

“It’s why we ask residents to consider continuing to donate the gift of time. Whether you can volunteer long-term, short-term, or just one time, your commitment makes a tremendous difference.”

Click here to find out more about Utah’s Commission on Service & Volunteerism.

Volunteers lay wreaths on graves during “Wreaths Across America” event, Toquerville, Utah, Dec. 17, 2022 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

“I am continually humbled by Utahns everywhere for their commitment to serving those around them,” said First Lady Abby Cox, whose Show Up initiatives emphasize volunteer service. “Volunteerism isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. Let us all commit to keep up this momentum so future generations can enjoy the benefit of our volunteering spirit.”

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, works as a force multiplier to bring people together across divides and bring communities back stronger for a more united America, according to the news release.

Through national service and volunteerism, Americans are afforded new ways to engage with their communities and foster a sense of constructive action and belonging. Volunteers support American schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, food banks, and civic, nonprofit, tribal and faith-based organizations across the country.

Graphic courtesy of AmeriCorps.

 

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