Many worry that fewer people are getting involved in volunteer opportunities. What inspires you to volunteer?

time which i no longer have and compassion

I volunteered at the local humane society for a while before I got a puppy, and now I don't have time anymore. The reason I volunteered is because I think it is human's fault that there are so many stray animals in the world, and I felt like I was doing my part to give them a better life. You just have to find people who actually care about the cause.

Well, let's see, years ago when younger people used to volunteer and did a great job they could get hired or at least get good references. These days, those references on applications go overlooked, and when you do volunteer work for places these days, most places have the new attitude of 'why bother hiring someone who does the work for free.' Thus killing the younger peoples' desire to even bother volunteering. I believe senior citizens still volunteer alot, because they get bored being retired and doing nothing.

Being able to see actual results. A clothing drive might not let you see any benefits that come from the collection. Whereas a graffitti removal program would.

Quanity is nothing if you have quality!! I volunteer at an After-school Enrichment Center because I fell through the cracks all my life...some of these kids need tutoring, structure, and or guidence...and we do that. I don't care what their parents make, who they live with, or what heritage they are- I do it because I care...I drive almost an hour because they need me. I volunteer everyday to do something for someone because I should hope if I needed help- it would be there.

Volunteering is the opposite of selfishness. If we can remember that our existence here is not about 'us' then volunteering will be seen as attractive again. I'm inspired to find a little time to serve others and to make a small, small difference in somebody else's life.

Tough to do. Nowadays, there are more goods and services available to help distinguish one class from another. If you want to keep making your Jag or Audi lease payments, you need to work hard. If you can't be seen in a car that costs under $50,000 and if your mortgage payments are over $3000/month, generally you won't have the time or energy to volunteer. And the rest of the people aspire to be at that level so they won't have the time either. Also, there is less of a sense of community than in the past as we become a more diverse country.

well im involved but only because i have to because im on probation theres a thought put everyone on probation.lol