The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission has announced a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming the year of America’s 250th anniversary into a significant period for community service. The program, titled America Gives, was unveiled in New York just ahead of the upcoming celebrations of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative seeks to revitalize volunteering efforts, which have seen a decline in participation since the pandemic, with only 28% of Americans reporting involvement in charitable organizations this year, according to a December AP-NORC poll.
America Gives does not aim to set a specific target for volunteer hours but seeks to encourage a culture of service that will endure beyond the anniversary year, helping to strengthen volunteer pipelines for nonprofits. Funding for the initiative comes from congressional appropriations and corporate sponsors like Walmart and Coca-Cola. Participants can pledge their time and log their volunteer hours through an online platform.
Engaging Young Volunteers with Community Service
As part of this effort, the commission is focusing on engaging young people, who often represent a challenging demographic for nonprofits. Only about 25% of adults under 30 reported volunteering in the past year, compared to 36% of those over 60, according to a March AP-NORC poll. Rosie Rios, chair of America250, emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of purpose and community involvement in younger generations.
The initiative is collaborating with high schools to ensure that community service hours are documented, fostering habits of giving that students can carry into their post-secondary lives. Rios noted, “They’re very passionate. They’re very purpose driven. They do want to give back,” highlighting the need to inspire young individuals to visualize their potential impact.
Community service is seen as a valuable opportunity for young people to meet the desire for social connections outside of traditional environments. Sofia Alvarez from the Youth250 Bureau mentioned that young people seek “third spaces,” informal settings that allow for social interaction without financial barriers. She suggested that engaging activities, such as crafts, can enhance community bonds.
Fostering a Spirit of Volunteerism Across America
The America Gives initiative aims to overcome political polarization and rekindle a sense of national pride through volunteerism. Rios pointed out that research indicates a majority of Americans wish to reinstate a spirit of community service. “It is about one country,” she stated. Organizations like Keep America Beautiful are also participating, with plans to mobilize 4 million volunteers to tackle litter and enhance local environments.
The program encourages year-round volunteering, extending beyond the July 4th celebrations, to help cultivate a lasting culture of service. Volunteers who register their hours are eligible to participate in a sweepstakes, with 250 randomly selected winners receiving $4,000 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice.
America Gives will also align with national days of service such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and September 11. Rios emphasized the importance of sustaining this initiative to ensure that volunteering remains an integral part of American life, stating, “It should be on people’s minds all the time, not just the day that they’re doing service.”
Through America Gives, the commission hopes to inspire a new generation of volunteers, fostering a culture of giving that reflects the nation’s ideals and strengthens community ties as America approaches its next milestone in history.
