Sen. Orrin Hatch Applauds Utah Volunteers for their Efforts

UTAH RANKS #1 IN VOLUNTEERISM FOR 4TH YEAR IN A ROW

(Salt Lake City, Utah) A new report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service ranks Utah as the number one volunteer state in the United States for the fourth year in a row. Although the last year has been a time of economic hardship, volunteering in Utah has continued to thrive.

The research is based on annual surveys of approximately 100,000 individuals collected by the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics in partnership with the Corporation. The VolunteeringInAmerica.gov website contains nine years of data on volunteering, and rankings, volunteer trends and demographic information for every state and almost 200 large and mid-sized cities. It is produced to help national, state and local leaders better understand volunteering trends and demographics and use the data to develop effective strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteers.

“While I am not surprised at the results of the latest volunteerism survey, I have to say that I’m very proud to see Utah ranked at the top of the list once again. As I’ve said before, volunteerism is encoded into America’s cultural DNA, and nowhere is that more true than in the great state of Utah. People from our state have, time and again, demonstrated their willingness to put their skills and experience to good use in improving our neighborhoods and communities. I am continually in awe of those from our state who selflessly volunteer their time and talents to assist those in need,” commented Senator Orrin Hatch

Detailed findings from the report include:

For the fourth year in a row, Utah was the top volunteer state with a volunteer rate 43.5%, followed by Nebraska (38.9%), Minnesota (38.4%), Alaska (38%), and Iowa (37.1%).

In the second annual look at volunteering in 75 mid-sized cities, Provo, Utah, again led the nation with a whopping 62.9 percent volunteer rate, followed by Iowa City (42.9%), Ogden, UT (43.6%), Madison, WI (41.5%), and Topeka, KS (40.7%).

Minneapolis-St. Paul once again ranked number one among large cities at 38.4%, followed by Portland, OR (36.7%), Salt Lake City, UT (36.5%), Seattle, WA (34.3%), and Kansas City, MO (33.4%).

According to Shar Lewis, Executive Director of The Utah Commission on Volunteers, “The number one ranking confirms what we already knew at the Utah Commission on Volunteers: Utahns are committed to their communities and passionate about helping those in need. We are thrilled with the news and strive toward continuing this legacy.”

The Utah Commission on Volunteers has continued to support and promote local and national initiatives to increase service opportunities and activities throughout the state, and Utahns are working together to show that community and service are a top priority.

Utah Commission on Volunteers Promotes Summer of Service

2009 SUMMER OF SERVICE: Utah Volunteers can earn national recognition and win lunch with Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert

Salt Lake City – Utah’s annual Summer of Service has joined forces with President Obama’s national initiative, United We Serve, to recognize citizens who volunteer their time over the next few months to make a difference in their communities.

“Summer of Service is about giving back to our community and enriching the lives of others. I can’t think of a better season to inspire creative ways for youth and adults to use their free time to make a difference and earn national recognition while doing it,” says Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers.

Those who volunteer and track their service hours between June 22 and Sept. 11 can earn national recognition. Children ages 5 to 13 who volunteer 50 hours of service, and those 14 years and older who accrue 100 hours of service, can earn a Presidential Service Award signed by the President of the United States.

As an added incentive, the top youth and adult participants who accrue the most hours during this campaign will win a lunch with the Lieutenant Governor.

“Utah is renowned for its high rates of volunteerism, and it’s important we continue that proud tradition throughout the summer months,” said Utah Lt. Governor Gary R. Herbert. “I encourage all Utahns to spend just a little bit of free time this summer participating in a cause that can make a difference in the lives of others and their own lives, as well.”
For more information on the 2009 Summer of Service log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov and find volunteering opportunities that you and your family can get involved with during the summer months. Those who are currently volunteering may retroactively track and credit their hours from June 22.