According to a recent report (Volunteering in America 2010) by the Corporation for National and Community Services, Asheville ranks 12th in the nation in volunteerism.  Based on my experience living in the area, I’m frankly surprised that it’s that low.  It seems like most of the people I know volunteer in some way.  There are many ways to volunteer these days, from United Way projects to church and community organizations.  No matter what your interests or views, there is bound to be some way you can help out.

From the Asheville Citizen-Times:

The report ranked Asheville 12th among 75 midsized cities based on figures compiled from 2007-09. Some 129,000 people volunteered in various ways, helping educate the populace, keep the place clean and its citizens safe and improve the community in countless ways.

More than 140 organizations offer volunteer opportunities at the United Way’s Hands On project. In these stressful economic times, there’s certainly no shortage of need for volunteers. Indeed, the services provided by volunteers are more essential than ever in a time when donations are down for many nonprofits. Trisha Lester, vice president at the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, says calls for help are “through the roof.”

Fortunately, so are the numbers of people heeding those calls. The number of volunteers stepping up to participate in monthly projects at local nonprofits was up 20 percent from 2008-09. The punch-drunk economy and the area’s demographics appear to be at least partially responsible for some of the uptick. Highly educated people are among those being marooned by the economic tide, but many still want to contribute.

I say 12th is not enough.  According to the report, Asheville has a 36.5% volunteer rate.  Number 1 on the list, Provo, Utah, has a 63.6% volunteer rate.  I challenge each of you, if you are not already volunteering a portion of your time in some way, to visit the United Way’s Hands On Asheville-Buncombe site, become a member and find out how you can help.