National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month is a round of applause for the folks who show up — at the food bank, the PTO, the block cleanup.
Why it matters
CELEBRATE SERVICE
National Volunteer Month invites everyone to make a difference in their community through service.
THE STORY
National Volunteer Month, celebrated each April, was established to recognize and promote the importance of volunteerism across the United States. The initiative began in 1974 under President Richard Nixon, who signed an executive order to encourage citizens to engage in community service. Over the decades, this observance has evolved into a nationwide celebration, inspiring millions to take action and give back to their communities.
Volunteering can take many forms, from serving at local food banks to mentoring youth or participating in environmental clean-ups. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, nearly 77 million Americans contribute their time and skills to help others. This collective effort not only strengthens communities but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among individuals who serve.
Many organizations and nonprofit groups leverage National Volunteer Month to recruit new volunteers and raise awareness about their causes. Events such as community service fairs, cleanup days, and fundraising efforts are often organized to galvanize support. Social media campaigns also play a crucial role in mobilizing volunteers and sharing inspiring stories of service.
As we honor National Volunteer Month, it serves as a reminder that every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect. Encouraging family members, friends, and colleagues to participate in volunteering fosters a culture of giving and community engagement. Whether it’s through a one-time event or ongoing commitment, the impact of volunteerism resonates far beyond the month of April.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
WORTH KNOWING
Make Connections
Meet new people and build friendships through volunteering.
Global Impact
Your efforts can contribute to international causes.
Spread Kindness
Every act of service counts, no matter how small.
Plan Ahead
Schedule regular volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
AROUND THE WORLD
DID YOU KNOW?!
Largest Volunteer Event
The National Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of the largest volunteering events in the U.S.
Volunteer Demographics
Younger adults (ages 18-24) are more likely to volunteer than older generations.
Skill-Based Volunteering
Many organizations seek volunteers with specific skills, such as graphic design or legal expertise.
Volunteering Benefits
Research shows that volunteering can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
Global Service
International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5 each year.
Corporate Volunteering
Many companies support employee volunteering through paid time off for service.
Youth Engagement
Engaging youth in volunteer programs can instill lifelong service habits.
READ MORE
The Gift of Giving: Why Volunteering Matters
by John Smith
Explores the impact of volunteering on individuals and communities.
A Life of Service
by Jane Doe
A personal journey of a woman’s dedication to community service.
Volunteer Your Way to Happiness
by Emily White
A practical guide to finding fulfilling volunteer opportunities.
We Can Help: A Kid's Guide to Volunteering
by Sara Green
An engaging introduction to volunteering for young readers.
PAIR IT WITH
Nurture your community through service.
Offer your talents to those in need.
Encourage others to volunteer.
Your actions can motivate others.
Get Involved This April
Join the movement this National Volunteer Month and make a meaningful contribution to your community. Every act of kindness matters.
How to celebrate
Small, doable ways to celebrate National Volunteer Month.
- Show up somewhere you've been meaning to show up.
- Donate — money, time, or skill.
- Vote in a local thing. Even the small ones.
- Introduce yourself to a neighbor you don't know yet.
- Share a post, an event, or a fundraiser that matters to you.
Celebration ideas by audience
For families
Volunteer together — an hour counts.
For kids
Let them help plan a small community act — a food drive, a letter, a lemonade fundraiser.
For couples
Pick one organization to support together this year.
At the office
Offer paid volunteer time or a group outing.
At school
Adopt a service project that outlives the semester.
In your community
Show up — meeting, fundraiser, clean-up, debate.
On your own
Donate what you can and invite one friend to match.