Today, Explained: Why Volunteering Is Worth It – Episode Summary
Released on November 27, 2024 by Vox's Today, Explained, hosted by Noel King and Sean Rameswaram.
Introduction: Rachel Cohen's Initial Skepticism
The episode opens with Noel King introducing Rachel Cohen, a seasoned Vox reporter who previously viewed volunteering as an ineffective endeavor.
- Rachel Cohen [00:06]: “I've started to see volunteering as kind of pointless. It wasn't gonna make a big difference on the things I cared about. It wasn't gonna move the needle. So I just stopped doing it.”
Rachel's perspective shifted dramatically, prompting her to re-engage with volunteering and influencing her personal and professional life.
The Decline of Volunteering Among Millennials and Gen Z
Noel King delves into the broader societal trends affecting volunteering, highlighting a significant decline among younger generations.
- Rachel Cohen [04:44]: "Volunteering is complicated to study, but we know it's been falling off even with the rise of all these virtual opportunities that really exploded in the pandemic."
Statistics underscore this trend:
- AmeriCorps Data: Only 20% of Gen Z volunteered compared to nearly 30% of Gen X.
This decline is explored through the lens of systemic changes and shifting attitudes toward individual versus collective action.
The Generosity Commission: Understanding Declines in Giving and Volunteering
Rachel discusses insights from the Generosity Commission, established by the Giving Institute in 2021 to investigate the drop in charitable activities.
- Jane Wales [05:57]: "We're depending on each other to be involved."
The commission's research points to factors such as increasing social isolation, declining church attendance, and eroding trust in institutions as root causes of reduced volunteering and giving.
Rachel Cohen's Journey Back to Volunteering
Faced with feelings of isolation and a desire for meaningful connection, Rachel decided to rekindle her volunteer activities.
- Rachel Cohen [08:35]: "I need to make some kind of change."
She overcame initial challenges in finding suitable volunteer opportunities by joining We Are Family, a D.C.-based nonprofit delivering groceries to low-income seniors.
- Rachel Cohen [09:55]: "It's nice to see people come and show care."
This experience not only reconnected her with her community but also inspired further philanthropic actions, such as donating blood and joining a nonprofit board.
The Positive Ripple Effects of Volunteering: Insights from Robert D. Putnam
Renowned Harvard professor Robert D. Putnam, author of "Bowling Alone," shares his expertise on the societal importance of volunteering and social capital.
- Robert D. Putnam [15:12]: "If you're volunteering to help somebody else, you're probably getting more benefits out of it than they do."
Putnam emphasizes that volunteering enhances personal well-being and strengthens community bonds, contributing to a healthier democracy. He elaborates on the concept of social capital and its decline over the past few decades, linking it to increased political polarization and social isolation.
- Robert D. Putnam [16:16]: "Volunteering is good for you and it's good for those around you."
He further illustrates how individual actions, like volunteering, have broader impacts on community cohesion and societal functioning.
Volunteering as Mutual Benefit: Personal and Societal Gains
Rachel reflects on Putnam's insights, acknowledging that her volunteer work not only benefits others but also enriches her own life.
- Rachel Cohen [11:05]: "I feel better prioritizing these things and actually making time for them."
Putnam reinforces this by highlighting the health benefits of social connections.
- Robert D. Putnam [23:43]: "Joining a club... there are huge personal benefits from connecting with other people... you'll add years to your life expectancy."
He compares the benefits of social connections to significant health factors like smoking cessation, underscoring their critical role in personal longevity and societal health.
Conclusion: Volunteering as a Pillar of Democracy and Personal Well-being
The episode wraps up by reinforcing the dual benefits of volunteering: enhancing individual happiness and fostering a robust, connected society.
- Robert D. Putnam [23:48]: "You're going to live longer. And also you're going to save American society."
Rachel's personal transformation exemplifies the broader narrative that volunteering is not only a means of contributing to societal good but also a pathway to personal fulfillment and improved well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Volunteering Decline: Younger generations are volunteering less, influenced by systemic skepticism and social isolation.
- Generosity Commission Findings: Declines in volunteering and giving are linked to broader societal issues like isolation and distrust in institutions.
- Personal Impact: Re-engaging in volunteering can significantly enhance personal well-being and foster meaningful community connections.
- Societal Benefits: Volunteering strengthens social capital, which is essential for a healthy democracy and cohesive society.
- Expert Insights: Robert D. Putnam highlights the critical role of social connections in personal health and societal stability.
Notable Quotes
- Rachel Cohen [00:06]: “Volunteering as kind of pointless… So I just stopped doing it.”
- Jane Wales [06:07]: "Most of my life I've been either running a nonprofit, serving in government, or volunteering myself."
- Robert D. Putnam [15:44]: “Volunteering is good for you and it's good for those around you.”
- Rachel Cohen [11:05]: “I feel better prioritizing these things and actually making time for them.”
- Robert D. Putnam [23:43]: "Joining a club... you'll add years to your life expectancy."
Final Thoughts
"Why Volunteering Is Worth It" serves as a compelling exploration of the personal and communal benefits of volunteering. Through Rachel Cohen's journey and expert insights from Robert D. Putnam, the episode underscores the critical role that volunteering plays in enhancing individual lives and sustaining the social fabric essential for a thriving democracy.
This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence of the "Why Volunteering Is Worth It" episode of Today, Explained.