By: Wendy Spencer via Huffington Post 

Whenever we stand shoulder-to-shoulder to serve with others, it gives us an opportunity to learn about our friends and neighbors in our community – and develop more empathy about the lives we share.

Each year, the Corporation for National and Community Service creates our Volunteering and Civic Life in America study. This annual survey provides a snapshot of the state of the nation and how we build the connections that make our communities stronger.

This year has led many Americans to wonder how we can unite after so many of our differences were laid bare. However, the antidote to conflict is understanding. And a great way to find common ground is through volunteering, which can unite people from different backgrounds as they work toward common goals.

A Nation of Volunteers

The results of our study show that volunteering remains a core American value. We found that last year more than 62.6 million Americans (or 1-in-4 adults) volunteered through an organization, giving 7.8 billion hours of their time in service. The benefit of that service is valued at almost $184 billion to the U.S. economy.

In addition, two-thirds of Americans engaged in something we call “informal volunteering.” This covers the neighborly actions that happen every day with little fanfare, such as watching each other’s children, house sitting, or helping a senior with shopping.

The volunteer impulse also expands community involvement. Volunteers attend more meetings, participate in school activities, boost local organizations of all types, and join community improvement efforts. Also America’s volunteers, to no one’s surprise, are twice as likely to donate to charity as those who stand on the sidelines.

Turn Your Passion into Action