U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Aims to Boost Volunteering in America
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission is setting its sights on transforming America’s 250th birthday into the largest volunteering event in the nation’s history. As the country gears up to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the newly launched America Gives program seeks to rejuvenate a waning culture of service. Volunteering rates have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, with only 28% of Americans volunteering for religious or secular charitable organizations this year, according to a December AP-NORC poll.
America Gives does not have a specific target for service hours but aims to inspire nationwide reflection and community engagement that will bolster nonprofit volunteerism beyond 2026. The initiative is funded by congressional appropriations and corporate sponsors like Walmart and Coca-Cola.
Through an online tracker, participants can pledge their time and record their volunteering efforts. Nonprofit partners such as the Girl Scouts of the USA and Keep America Beautiful are actively involved. The Girl Scouts will offer a volunteering badge to its members who complete a service project, while Keep America Beautiful is spearheading an initiative to clean up 250 million pieces of trash by Independence Day. Additionally, JustServe, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is organizing the delivery of food donations to 250 food banks nationwide.
“We strongly believe that this is as much about the future as it is the past,” stated America250 Chair Rosie Rios. “Especially this next generation, we want them to give them something to believe in.”
Engaging Young Volunteers
The initiative is particularly focused on attracting young volunteers, a group that many nonprofits find challenging to reach. A March AP-NORC poll showed that about 25% of adults under 30 volunteered their time to charity, compared to 36% of those over 60.
Rios highlighted efforts to collaborate with high schools, many of which require community service for graduation, to ensure these hours are recorded and encourage ongoing volunteer habits. “They’re very passionate. They’re very purpose driven. They do want to give back,” Rios said, emphasizing the importance of inspiring young people to envision and fuel their future.
Sofia Alvarez, a leader with the Youth250 Bureau, noted the desire among young people for “third spaces” where they can connect outside of home, school, or work. “I think any sort of craft or activity that really helps people connect, where they can chit chat and bond with each other, really builds that sense of community,” Alvarez explained.
According to Sarah Keating of the Girl Scouts, offering manageable volunteer opportunities is key. She noted that young individuals are eager to contribute but need guidance on how to do so effectively. “A campaign like this shines a light on the multitude of ways that you can volunteer — that it doesn’t have to be whatever stereotype you have in your head,” Keating said.
Fostering a Culture of Community Service
Amidst political polarization and declining national pride, America Gives aims to foster unity through community service. Rios noted that their research indicates a widespread desire to revive a spirit of volunteerism. “It is about one country,” she said, expressing hope that many will feel the need to come together.
Jennifer Lawson, CEO of Keep America Beautiful, believes volunteerism can unite people around common causes like litter cleanup. Her goal is to engage 4 million volunteers in activities such as community cleanups and tree planting.
Lawson advocates for a practical approach to patriotism, stating, “It doesn’t have to be all flags and tricornered hats. Patriotism in this country is an act of giving into community.”
America Gives plans to sustain volunteer engagement beyond July 4th, encouraging consistent community service. Volunteers can register their hours to enter a sweepstakes, with 250 winners donating $4,000 to a nonprofit partner. The initiative also seeks to mobilize people on national service days like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and 9/11, aiming to maintain a local focus throughout the year.
“It should be on people’s minds all the time, not just the day that they’re doing service,” Rios remarked. “But how do they plan ahead to keep it going?”
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and non-profits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
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