This week is National Volunteer Week, a time for “inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people” to engage in their communities. Hosted by the Points of Light Institute, this year’s theme is “Celebrating People in Action”. During this week, Delta Zeta would like to celebrate its members who dedicate countless hours to the Sorority as well as causes within their communities and around the world.
Every year approximately 62.7 million Americans volunteer, providing 8.1 billion hours of service. In 2010 alone, 3.1 million college students provided 312 million hours of service in American communities (Volunteering in America, 2011). Delta Zeta members, both collegiate and alumnae, are a part of this great movement. Nearly 1100 alumnae currently serve Delta Zeta in local and national volunteer roles across the United States and Canada. And in 2011, Delta Zeta collegiate members provided 572,245 hours of service.
In addition to the tremendous benefits felt by the communities served, volunteering also benefits the individual serving. Volunteers often report that volunteering has helped them learn new skills, gain work experience, meet new people and build self-esteem. Additionally, volunteering has been tied to health benefits such as greater life satisfaction, lower levels of depression and longer life-spans (Corporation for National & Community Service, 2007).
So this week, we salute all Delta Zeta women who are enriching their communities and our Sorority through their service. Click here to see a special message from our President, Michelle Smith. Thank you for your talent and time.
References:
http://www.pointsoflight.org/sites/default/files/nvw_resourceguide_2012.pdf
http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/
http://www.unitedway.org/take-action/benefits-of-volunteerin
http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr_brief.pdf
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