Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Volunteering stands as an essential practice within American civic traditions, which emphasize both community participation and public service obligations.
From the beginning of the nation, Americans have accepted that individual service combined with group action results in meaningful change. The residents of Utah demonstrate exceptional skills when it comes to volunteering.
According to a 2024 AmeriCorps report, Utah had the highest percentage of formal volunteering of any state.
The volunteer rate in Utah reached 46.6% in 2023, which outpaced Vermont's 40.5% to become the state with the highest volunteer participation. Utah maintains its position as the top-ranked volunteer state in annual rankings.
However, the United States has witnessed a steady decrease in serving numbers during the past several decades, which makes it hard for aid organizations and nonprofit groups to sustain their essential services.
But you can assist in improving those statistics.
Youth power
One way you can help is by encouraging and offering fun incentives for your children to serve, and to tell them to bring their friends!
Utah holds the distinction of having the lowest average age in the nation, according to a Newsweek article that analyzed U.S. census data. Utah maintains the lowest median age among all states at 32 years of age.
This is an added benefit because research indicates that young people tend to volunteer at higher rates than other age groups.
Utah's youth population makes a positive impact through their service work, which includes high school students earning service hours, scout troops and youth groups working together, and young adults who want to give back.
The state's high volunteer participation rates receive momentum from the enthusiastic spirit of its young population.
Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious and help fuel the state's high rates of participation.
Organized chances to serve
There are so many great ways to volunteer, and Utah provides straightforward methods for people to start, regardless of their prior experience. UServeUtah serves as a connection point for people who want to participate in specific service opportunities and fellowships, as well as training and youth involvement.
The primary purpose of UServeUtah is to enable all Utah residents to address community needs through national service combined with volunteerism and community engagement.
The schools and universities, along with churches and community centers in your area. organize regular events and fundraisers, which provide various opportunities for involvement. Check out JustServe.org to learn about additional volunteer opportunities in your area.
Get involved with the Salt Lake Chamber
The Salt Lake Chamber champions a culture of community engagement by encouraging individuals and organizations to give back. When people are empowered to participate in service activities, it not only strengthens our communities – it also builds stronger, more connected communities.
While the Chamber doesn't directly organize volunteer opportunities, it actively supports and promotes community engagement through its network and partnerships. Networking events, industry roundtables and community initiatives hosted by the Chamber often highlight ways members can make a meaningful impact together.
To help connect businesses and individuals with upcoming opportunities, the Chamber maintains a Community Calendar, which shows upcoming local service events and initiatives.
