The pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of how organizations engage with their communities. Volunteerism is no exception. What lasting changes should we pay attention to? How can volunteer programs evolve to stay relevant and resilient?

According to Points of Light’s 2023 “Civic Life Today: Volunteering” study, just 36% of Americans say they participate in traditional volunteering. Yet, a striking 73% report taking civic action in some form. This shift underscores a new reality: while people are still deeply invested in making a difference, their approach is more fluid, informal, and personalized than ever before.

What’s Changed:

• Remote and Virtual Volunteering Is Here to Stay
  What began as a necessity has become a strategic advantage. Virtual opportunities expand your reach and meet the flexibility needs of today’s volunteers.
• Shift in Motivations
  People are more values-driven. They want to feel purpose in what they do, and they’re increasingly seeking opportunities that align with personal passions and global causes.
• More Competition for Time
  With hybrid work, family responsibilities, and mental wellness priorities, volunteers are balancing more than ever. Programs that offer bite-sized, high-impact engagements tend to thrive.
• Digital Engagement Expectations
  Volunteers expect seamless experiences. From sign-ups to scheduling to communication. Outdated systems create friction that drives people away.
• A New Definition of Volunteering
  The line between formal and informal service is blurring. People want to give back in ways that feel natural to them—whether that’s mentoring a neighbor’s teen, leading a park cleanup, or sharing their expertise online.

What’s Next:

• Personalization Will Define Loyalty
  Volunteers want to feel seen and valued. The ability to track individual preferences, recommend opportunities, and send personalized messages will become a differentiator for successful programs.
• DEI Will Continue to Influence Engagement Strategy
  A true commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will go beyond recruitment quotas. It will show up in leadership roles, storytelling, language access, and community representation.
• Analytics Will Drive Decisions
  Leaders are increasingly relying on data to improve outcomes. Whether it’s identifying high-retention volunteer profiles, optimizing shifts, or tracking community impact, the ability to turn data into action will be key. Tools like Offero help organizations move from spreadsheets to strategy.
• Skill-Based and Episodic Volunteering Will Grow
  As attention spans shrink and skill-sharing becomes more accessible, expect to see a rise in short-term, high-impact projects and skill-based volunteer matching.

The Bottom Line:

Volunteer engagement isn’t just returning to what it was before- it’s evolving. Organizations that embrace flexibility, technology, and inclusive practices will be best positioned to grow in the years ahead.

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