A New Wave of Volunteerism

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees service programs, volunteering rose 1.5% in 2008. That's great news for a statistic that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has "stayed static" for 40 years. A great story from USA Today is worth checking out - it's all about volunteerism and I Participate, a program of which AARP is a partner.
The story talks about how television networks are raising awareness of the importance of volunteering in unconventional ways, tying good deeds and charity work into the plotlines of popular sitcoms and dramas, hoping to have an impact on the audience without shoving the idea in our faces via PSAs. Pretty subtle, and a good idea!
Another great story...If you haven't checked it out already, the Wall Street Journal has an enlightening series called "Laid Off and Looking" on the current job search in America. The WSJ is following out-of-work M.B.A.s on their quest to find jobs and sharing their trials and tribulations along the way. Each story is a little different, but all of the posts have garnered motivational comments from readers. Check it out.