“Latinos are the fastest growing demographic group in America, and their active civic participation is critical to the future of the Latino community and our nation,” said Ilir Zherka, NCoC Executive Director. “Latino youth are the next generation of community leaders and the prospects for their greater involvement in civic health is bright.”
Fifty nine percent of all volunteers who engage in mentoring work full-time—a higher percentage than volunteers who do not engage in mentoring (53%). Despite having less discretionary time, these adult volunteers are as inclined to mentor youth as volunteers working part-time, and more likely than non-working volunteers.
"Creating community impact doesn't happen in a vacuum–it's part of a reinforcing cycle. People who are involved in one area of community activity are more likely to be involved in others."
Not only is volunteering a good thing for communities, but it is also good for you. Read about how volunteering can be beneficial to your health.
Even when controlling for other important factors, such as socio-economic status, age, and gender, research has shown that adults who volunteer are more likely to experience health benefits when it comes to longevity, mobility and mental health. The research indicates that volunteers need to commit a considerable amount of time to volunteering (about one to two hours per week) for there to be a significant relationship between volunteering and good health. (Released 2007).
This report uncovers what factors can influence a community’s volunteer rate. A variety of items, such as average commute times, homeownership rates, average levels of education in a community, and number of nonprofits in the area can help us predict and understand the level of service and volunteering in an area. (Released 2007).
The rate of volunteering among older teenagers was found to be almost ten percentage points higher than it was in 1989 and remained higher than the rate in 1974. For mid-life adults, the volunteer rate was higher than it was in 1974 and 1989, suggesting that Baby Boomers, are volunteering in mid-life at a higher rate than past generations. The rate of volunteering among older adults today was also higher than it was in 1974 and in 1989. (Released in 2006).