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empty office due impact of pandemic on volunteerism

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its profound and far-reaching impacts, has ushered in seismic shifts across societal norms and economic structures. Amidst these transformations, one sector that exhibits a unique paradox is volunteerism. The pandemic’s impact on volunteerism has been two-fold: while there’s been a marked decline in formal volunteering, we’ve concurrently seen a significant surge in informal helping activities. This article delves into this intriguing dynamic, examining how the pandemic has redefined the landscape of volunteerism, and presents strategies for fostering a sustainable future in volunteer service amidst this new normal.

The Volunteerism Paradox: Formal Decline vs. Informal Surge

In the space of formal volunteering – organized, structured voluntary service conducted through established entities like nonprofits or religious groups – we’ve witnessed a stark decline since the onset of the pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps reveal that only about 23% of people aged 16 or older volunteered through an organization in 2020-2021, a stark contrast to the robust 30.3% reported in 2019² This dwindling statistic might initially appear disheartening, but it’s only part of the story.

The same research uncovers a silver lining: while the numbers of formal volunteers have diminished, those who continue to serve have contributed more of their time. This increased commitment demonstrates a collective recognition of the heightened needs of communities during the crisis.

Simultaneously, the pandemic triggered a boom in informal helping. This term refers to the unpaid assistance provided to non-relatives like neighbors, friends, or even strangers. The same study discloses that around 51% of the U.S. population aged 16 and above, which equates to 124.7 million people, engaged in informal help between 2020 and 2021². This figure shows a significant leap from the 44% reported in 2019².

From this data emerges an uplifting narrative: in the face of adversity, the resilience and generosity of the human spirit have shone brightly. Grassroots initiatives, ranging from delivering food to providing financial aid, became lifelines for marginalized communities, which bore the brunt of the pandemic’s impact.

Shifting Demographics: Younger, Digitally-Savvy Volunteers Step Up

Alongside these trends, we’ve observed a considerable demographic shift within the volunteer community. On one end of the spectrum, there’s been a decline in the number of older volunteers actively involved with their organizations. This change is presumably due to the higher risk of COVID-19 complications associated with this age group.

However, this decline has been partially offset by an influx of younger volunteers. These youngsters, often comfortable with digital technologies and adaptable to change, have filled the gap in a transformed volunteering landscape. Much of the volunteering work transitioned online, with opportunities such as virtual mentoring, online tutoring, and digital advocacy becoming the norm. This younger demographic, often referred to as ‘digital natives’, was well-equipped to take on these new, tech-oriented roles.

Alongside these demographic shifts, there’s also been an evolution in the skillsets brought to the table by volunteers. A surge has been seen in volunteers with specialist skills such as IT, marketing, or fundraising. This development reflects the changing needs of non-profit organizations as they navigate the digital era and adjust to the accelerated digital transformation prompted by the pandemic. These specialist skills are increasingly critical as nonprofits shift their operations, fundraising, and outreach efforts to online platforms.

strained nonprofit worker due to lack of volunteer help because of the impact of the pandemic

Strains on Nonprofit Organizations: Loss of Labor and Financial Impact

The reduction in volunteerism presents tangible challenges for nonprofits, which often rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their mission. The substantial drop in formal volunteering since the pandemic’s onset has strained many organizations, affecting their operations and services and, by extension, the communities they serve.

Many nonprofits operate with tight budgets, with volunteers constituting a crucial part of their workforce. Volunteers support numerous facets of a nonprofit’s operations, from administrative tasks to front-line service delivery. With the downturn in volunteerism, many organizations face a labor deficit. This lack of personnel places a greater workload on existing staff, potentially leading to increased stress, burnout, and reduced productivity. In extreme cases, nonprofits have had to cut back their services or, worse, temporarily shut down operations due to the lack of volunteers.

Additionally, the decline in volunteerism has significant financial ramifications for nonprofits. The economic value of volunteers’ time and effort is considerable. For instance, the Independent Sector estimated the value of volunteer time at $28.54 per hour in 2020 in the U.S⁴. When volunteer contributions shrink, nonprofits must contend with a financial shortfall. They either have to allocate funds to hire paid staff – a move that can further strain their budgets – or reduce the scope of their operations.

Volunteers also play a critical role in fundraising efforts, be it through organizing events, running campaigns, or leveraging their networks for donations. A decline in volunteerism can impede these efforts, leading to reduced funds and resource constraints for the nonprofits.

Furthermore, the reduction in volunteerism can also affect the reach and impact of nonprofit services. For example, organizations providing food, shelter, or essential support services to vulnerable populations may not be able to cater to as many people as before due to the volunteer shortage. This not only impacts the effectiveness of the nonprofits but also leaves a gap in essential services for those in need.

Beyond their tangible services, volunteers often bring passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to the organizations they serve. They foster relationships with the communities served, building a trustful and empathetic connection that is often crucial for the work nonprofits do. A decline in volunteerism could impact this relational aspect, affecting community engagement and trust.

Overcoming Pandemic Fatigue: Engagement Strategies

In the face of pandemic fatigue and the resulting struggle to keep volunteers engaged, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to implement effective engagement strategies. Forbes suggests several tactics, such as clear communication about the organization’s mission and goals, providing feedback and recognition, offering flexibility and choice, creating opportunities for social interaction, and providing resources for skill development⁴. I’ll add that it’s also paramount that organizations set up volunteers with project-specific, outcomes-focused engagements to provide fulfilling experiences.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

While the pandemic’s impact on volunteerism presents a complex and challenging scenario, it also offers opportunities for innovation and resilience. Understanding these changes and adapting to support volunteer engagement will be crucial as we navigate the uncharted terrain of the post-pandemic world.

This unprecedented crisis has undeniably affected volunteering rates, demographics, and opportunities. However, it has also showcased the resilience, generosity, and adaptability of volunteers and organizations. As we move forward, it’s essential to learn from these changes and to continue striving to create an environment that supports volunteer engagement. In doing so, we can ensure that we continue to serve communities in meaningful, impactful ways.

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A Setback for Educational Equality: Affirmative Action Overturned

In what is a shocking turn of events for some, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has overturned Affirmative Action in higher education, asserting that it was a form of racial discrimination. This decision is a blow to progress, a denial of the enduring effects of systemic racism, and a significant step backwards for our nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity.

The SCOTUS decision suggests a fundamental misunderstanding (or blatant disregard) of why Affirmative Action was necessary in the first place. “Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it,” they argue, failing to recognize that Affirmative Action was a direct response to deeply ingrained discrimination and systemic bias that has pervaded our society for centuries. The fallacy that we’re living on a level playing field is not just wrong; it’s detrimental to the advancement of those who have been historically marginalized.

Elevating Voices: Centering Communities and Showcasing Success Stories

United, we will fight tenaciously until every student — inclusive of every background — has equal access to higher education and the freedom to chase their dreams. Our nation could flourish if we harnessed the talents and potential of students from all races and ethnicities, fostering a culture of mutual respect. So, despite this ruling, we refuse to let it dictate our narrative.

Here’s what we’ll continue to do instead: We’ll choose to spotlight the communities most impacted by this decision. We’ll strive to honor the individuals whose triumphant stories of resilience and prosperity against all odds deserve applause, not repression. Now as much as ever, these narratives hold paramount importance. They’ll continue to kindle the spark within our youth, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential and debunking negative stereotypes that are often artificially attached to their identities.

We won’t just stand by as those in positions of power and privilege attempt to barricade the avenues of opportunity and leadership for our children, while keeping those same roads open for their own. Education is not a request—it’s a demand. We seek it for our people, insisting on an education system that fosters equity, inclusivity, and above all, justice.”

Paving Alternative Paths: Embracing New Mexico’s Free Higher Education

In response to the recent ruling, it’s time for us to seek out and highlight alternative paths to higher education. One such option is found in the state of New Mexico, which is leading the charge by offering free higher education to all its residents. Here’s a quick breakdown of what this means:

Full coverage of tuition and fees at all public colleges and universities in New Mexico
Includes both part-time and full-time students
Open to students pursuing credit-bearing career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees
Available to all New Mexico residents, irrespective of their background or financial standing

This could be a game changer, particularly for Black students and families aspiring to achieve a 4-year college degree. Cities like Albuquerque, with their welcoming communities and supportive environments, could provide the ideal backdrop for pursuing these aspirations. It’s opportunities like these that we must seize and champion in the wake of decisions that threaten to set us back.

The Responsibility of Universities: Expanding Opportunities

While states like New Mexico step up to champion the wellbeing of their residents, universities, too, hold a crucial responsibility to broaden opportunities. Despite the likelihood that the SCOTUS ruling will trigger a restructuring of admissions processes, it’s imperative that universities continue to dismantle the barriers obstructing the path to higher education and leadership.

Inclusion has to be a core tenet of higher education. This of course will require significant changes. Universities need to champion transparency in their admissions processes, ensuring they are fair and equitable. They should reevaluate the weight given to standardized tests (or the tests themselves), recognizing the inherent bias they perpetuate. Lowering tuition costs is another crucial step that will enable more students to access higher education. And it’s also time we confronted the privileged tradition of legacy admissions, working to phase out a practice that prioritizes lineage over merit.

In light of these challenges, universities should consider adopting a Targeted Universalism approach. This model allows for universal goals to be established while acknowledging that different resources and strategies may be needed to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or current situations, can achieve these goals. This approach helps ensure that everyone, especially those from marginalized or disadvantaged communities, has the support they need to access higher education

We can’t afford to let recent setbacks deter or dissuade us. Instead, we have to use them as the inspiration to double down our efforts, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open to all, inclusive all of races or socio-economic statuses.

The Continuation of the Fight for Equal Opportunity

Regardless of the relentless attempts by anti-civil rights factions to sow discord among the people, our unity remains uncompromised. We are committed to equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination. We know that when everyone has access to higher education, we all benefit. Education is a well-established path to liberation. We understand the fundamental truth that when higher education is accessible to everyone, the benefits ripple through our entire society. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we’ll persist in shaping a future that’s brighter and more inclusive.

Therefore, our struggle for educational justice and equal opportunity will not stop. We can’t stop, won’t stop. In a nation as diverse as ours, it’s crucial that students from all walks of life — uninhibited by the zip code of their birthplace — learn, grow, and thrive together in our colleges and universities. Every student is entitled to feel valued, to chase their dreams, and to contribute to the fine fabric of the future of this country. Our fight isn’t just about achieving equality in education; it’s about creating a society where everyone is equally supported to succeed.

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Standing Against Age-Old Injustice, Renewing Our Resolve

This pushback isn’t new. It’s part of a long history of attempts to dismantle civil rights and deny fairness to people of color. After all, anti-Black racist policy has been the bedrock of this country. However, we are resolute, focused, and refuse to back down. We’ll persist in our fight against educational inequalities, ensuring that every student, regardless of their race or ethnicity, is set up to thrive. Black people deserve to thrive.

Our commitment to racial equity must be unwavering. Together, we will continue the fight until every student has an equal opportunity to access higher education and realize their dreams. Now, let’s explore new opportunities for higher education, like those offered by the state of New Mexico. Education, of course, is just one piece of the puzzle, albeit a significant one.

When I say we want land, food, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace, I speak for the people. We will convert this adversity into action and continue our quest for equality and justice in the face of resistance.

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The Pandemic Paradox: Volunteerism in the Balance and Strategies for a Sustainable Future