Americans have proven, time and again, that one of the most efficient ways to address some of the nation’s most critical needs in its communities is through national service and volunteerism. Through the hard work and dedication of ordinary individuals, extraordinary things are accomplished. In April, we join Points of Light’s Global Volunteer Month celebrations, recognizing Americans who have served their community to address challenges and make a difference in lives.
Opportunities to Serve are Everywhere
Americans can make an incredible impact in their own backyards. Helping a neighbor in need with yard work, home repairs, or offering to babysit while parents run errands are all examples of informal volunteering that can make a difference in the lives of others.
Across the country, informal volunteering has become one of the most common forms of volunteering. According to AmeriCorps’ latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America research, more than half of the American population volunteered informally.
On the other hand, formal volunteering – giving time and talent with a group or organization – allows individuals to come together with others to accomplish civic service goals on a larger scale and even develop new job skills at the same time. National service programs like AmeriCorps VISTA empower formal volunteers by providing the skills and structure they need to maximize their impact.
Member Cary found a renewed sense of purpose when he joined AmeriCorps VISTA with United Way after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. Through his service, Cary trains other volunteers in tax law and the latest tax preparation software so that more can provide support to community members.
“Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member has really given me purpose in my life,” Cary said. “It gives me a good feeling that we have accomplished something. I served my country in the United States Air Force and then AmeriCorps VISTA gave me an opportunity to serve my community.”
Cary’s not alone in finding fulfillment through contributing to the greater good. Between 2021 and 2023, the national volunteering rate grew by more than 22 percent, with more than 75.7 million Americans serving through an organization.
AmeriCorps Provides a Pathway to Formal Volunteering
Each year, nearly 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers make an impact in their communities. By tutoring students, helping find funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations near them, connecting military veterans to benefits they earned through service, or helping fight the opioid epidemic by serving in local clinics, AmeriCorps proudly connected individuals to their passion through its multiple program options.
Last month, AmeriCorps released its 2025 National Service Reports calculating national service investments across the nation. With more than 34,000 service locations throughout the nation, AmeriCorps leads the charge in supporting volunteerism through nonprofit, faith-based, and community-based organizations. The national service reports highlight the impact of our members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in our country – from tutoring to serving at a local food bank and helping organizations engage and retain more volunteers. Whether you can commit to an entire year of service, or you are looking for a more meaningful way to spend your post-retirement days, AmeriCorps has a program to fit just about any schedule.
Connect to opportunities that channel your passion into service and volunteerism during Global Volunteer Month and make a difference through AmeriCorps.
