The COVID-19 pandemic led to a period of isolation for many Americans, which has evolved into a growing epidemic of loneliness in the years since. Beach Pace, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, highlighted a concerning statistic from the Surgeon General: young individuals aged 15 to 24 now engage in 70% less social interaction with friends than they did two decades ago. This decline in social engagement has resulted in heightened feelings of loneliness among younger generations.
Yet it’s not just the youth who are facing this challenge—adults are also experiencing significant isolation. Volunteering has been identified as a potential remedy to combat loneliness because it fosters connections between individuals. However, recent surveys reveal a startling statistic; while a significant majority in the Portland area believe volunteering is essential for community building, over 40% of residents do not participate in any volunteer activities.
Pace emphasized, “Being connected to community increases happiness, and that’s a proven fact. Volunteering enhances your happiness, sense of fulfillment, and sense of meaning,” citing research from Forbes magazine. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves as one option for those seeking to make a difference, but Pace noted that the commitment required to meet with a child regularly may deter some. She encouraged individuals to find a cause that resonates with them and to get involved.
Antonia Lawler, a Portland mother, discovered that volunteering gives her a sense of purpose and connection after feeling isolated during her pregnancy and childbirth amidst the pandemic. Now, she actively volunteers at her child’s school and participates in her neighborhood’s emergency team. “Community was something that was missing big time,” Lawler remarked, reflecting on her experience.
Lawler, who is 40 years old, expressed concern about current political climates influencing her desire to contribute to emergency preparedness efforts. “Should there be a large-scale disaster, we are likely going to have to take care of ourselves for a while, so I’m turning my fear into something productive,” she explained. Her involvement highlights how many residents in the Portland area find fulfillment and meaning through volunteer work.
A recent survey conducted by The Oregonian/OregonLive, which included 600 voters from the three-county Portland area, found that while 91% of adults believe volunteering is vital for good community membership, only 58% had volunteered in the past year. Among those who did volunteer, a considerable portion—22%—indicated they only did so a few times a year, while 1% were uncertain about their volunteer frequency. This left 41% of respondents who reported never volunteering.
Arya Chatterjee, a 43-year-old engineer, is one of many Portland residents who value the importance of volunteering but encounter barriers to participation. He recognizes that volunteering can help cultivate community connections, yet he faces challenges related to time and availability.
Chatterjee voiced his frustration regarding scheduling conflicts, stating, “I’ve looked into helping out at organizations I’m interested in, but all volunteer times are during the weekday.” Lawler relates to this struggle, as she points out that volunteering often requires a balance of time, energy, and commitment. She noted, “While it’s important, you need the luxury of time and energy to do it. Where you are on your life timeline has a lot to do with being able to be available consistently.”
The survey results also indicated varying volunteer rates across demographics based on employment status, finances, and gender. Interestingly, 43% of unemployed respondents claimed they never volunteered, compared to 40% of employed individuals. While most demographic categories showed consistent volunteering patterns, income and gender were highlighted as significant factors impacting participation.
DHM Research conducted this poll between March 6 and March 13, 2023, revealing that individuals with a gross income of less than $50,000 were the least likely to volunteer, with 48% indicating they never do so. In contrast, the rate of those who never volunteered gradually decreased with increasing income levels—42% among those earning $50,000 to $100,000, 37% for the $100,000 to $150,000 range, and 35% for those earning above $150,000.
Moreover, the data showed an interesting disparity based on perceptions of financial stability. Among respondents who considered their financial situation “good,” only 37% reported never volunteering, while 50% of those who deemed their financial condition “poor” fell into the same category. Gender differences were also notable, with 46% of male respondents stating they never volunteered compared to 37% of females.
When asked about the importance of volunteering, an overwhelming majority—87% of men and 95% of women—acknowledged its significance for being a good community member. Pace acknowledges the hurdles individuals face when considering volunteer work but emphasizes the value of contributing to a community.
Despite the challenges involved, Pace argues that the fulfillment derived from participating in community life and supporting others outweighs these obstacles. She states, “Otherwise, you’re just going to work, getting your Amazon package at home, and watching your streaming shows without truly engaging with the world around you.”
Pace concluded, “When people put themselves out there, they grow. When they experience the joy of connecting with others, they feel more fulfilled and engaged with their lives.”
The recent findings serve as a call to action, urging individuals to consider the powerful impact of volunteering to address the growing epidemic of loneliness affecting many in our society today.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/04/portlanders-say-volunteering-is-important-why-are-so-few-of-them-actually-doing-it.html
