Study Shows Volunteerism in Wisconsin Has Dropped Significantly

Thursday, April 20th, 2023 -- 11:01 AM

(WMTV) A study from the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps found volunteerism across the country dropped by 7% from 2019 to 2021, the most significant drop recorded since tracking began in 2002. In Wisconsin, the dip topped double digits.

The study reports a nearly 15% decline in formal volunteering in the Badger State, which is volunteering at a non-profit, organization, or club. Executive director for the UW-Madison Center for Community and Non-Profit Studies, Mary Beth Collins, says reasons for the decline could range from financial reasons to a generational gap.

“I think there are some, you know, thoughts on that it might be a generational thing, and there may be a distancing from an awareness of how critical it is for us to stay aware and connected in the nitty-gritty of what really holds up our communities,” said Collins. She adds people could have less time due to inflation requiring many to work more to cover the cost of bills or a lack of childcare.

According to the study, Generation X makes up 27% of people volunteering, and found parents with children under the age of 18 were more likely to volunteer (30%) than households without kids (21%).

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