Volunteerism
The time and talent of volunteers are the backbone of community well-being. Volunteers deliver value to communities every day. Nonprofit agencies and community organizations would not be able to provide all the services they offer if they didn’t involve volunteers.
In eastern Iowa, volunteers have contributed 640 thousand hours valued at over $12 million dollars since June 2008. Everyday volunteerism is also strong. The top four volunteer activities in the Cedar Rapids area are fundraising, collecting and distributing food, tutoring and teaching, and mentoring youth. Iowa ranks 5th in the older adult volunteer rate. As baby boomers retire, this will be a large resource pool.
Volunteer Rate
Iowa ranks second in the rate of volunteers. Cedar Rapids ranks 15th among mid-size cities in the United States.
National rate = 26.8% Iowa rate = 37.8% Cedar Rapids = 34.8%
Volunteer Hours
Iowa ranks 16th in volunteer hours. Cedar Rapids ranks 13th among mid-size cities in the United States with 47.9 hours per resident.
National = 34.4 Iowa = 40.1 Cedar Rapids = 47.9
Disaster Volunteerism
The June 2008 flood created a new opportunity to engage volunteers immediately following the disaster and as the community continues to rebuild. Thousands of volunteers have come from every state with a strong pool of volunteers coming from local faith based organizations.
How can you help the community?
Join a committee, volunteer, advocate for change. Here are some places to start:
Corridor Volunteers – is your portal to volunteer websites in our area and throughout the state. Persons looking for volunteer opportunities and nonprofit organizations that need volunteers can go here and link to the websites which are most appropriate to meet their needs and interests. To register as a volunteer and view opportunities go to www.corridorvolunteers.org.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - the mission of RSVP is to engage people who are 55 and older in volunteer services that meet critical community needs while enriching the life of the volunteer. RSVP volunteer opportunities include companion outreach, meal delivery, transportation, food pantry assistance, flu immunization clinics, tutoring children, mentoring young adults and many other opportunities. To get more information call 319-398-5372 ext. 37, or e-mail linncountyrsvp@uweci.org.
Cedar Rapids Neighborhood Associations - the mission of neighborhood Associations is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Cedar Rapids while providing representation and the opportunity for participation to all neighbors. A great place to start volunteering would be in your own neighborhood. For more information go to www.crneighborhoods.org.
City and County Commissions - The Cedar Rapids City Council appoints hundreds of community volunteers to serve as members of the City’s 30 boards, commissions, committees and task forces. These volunteer groups are a large portion of the support system for our city government. Go to www.cedar.rapids.org.
