By CNCS Staff
Associated Press poll supports latest CNCS study findings
A recent Associated Press-GfK poll confirmed a not-too-surprising trait of the Millennial generation – they love to volunteer. This finding echoes results from the latest Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Volunteering and Civic Life in America report.
The News Tribune in Tacoma, WA, published an Associated Press story that concluded young adults under 30 are now more likely to say citizens have a “very important obligation” to volunteer. This runs counter to trends related to other civic duties such as voting and serving on a jury. In fact, volunteering was the only civic activity that those adults rated as highly as those in older groups.
“I want to make my city where I live a better place. You never walk away feeling you didn’t have a great time, or help someone out, or learn something new.” - Morgan Gress
The Volunteering and Civic Life in America report found that 21.7 percent of Millennials volunteered in 2013, a figure that has grown from 13 percent in 1989. Another reason for optimism is that this number is likely to rise as that demographic group gets older and more become parents who take time help at schools, with youth groups, or elsewhere in their communities.
The Associated Press article quotes 24-year-old Morgan Gress of Washington, whose office volunteered in lieu of a holiday party this year.
“I want to make my city where I live a better place,” she said, “You never walk away feeling you didn’t have a great time, or help someone out, or learn something new.”
“We’re on the crux of something big, because these Millennials are going to take this spirit of giving and wanting to change communities,” said CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer. “I am very encouraged by what we’re seeing.”