By Justin Taillon, PhD, MBA, CHTP, CHIA
Professor & Department Head, Hospitality & Tourism Management (HOST)
Highline College

I have been passionate about volunteering in my community for as long as I can remember. I even completed a master’s thesis on volunteerism! I realized through my research that the impact of community volunteers goes beyond supporting a single event or local organization.

Volunteering fosters a sense of community, belonging, and provides volunteers a stronger network. Furthermore, volunteerism cultivates altruistic ideals and provides experiences that even enhance one’s psychological well-being, boosts one’s self-confidence, and improves a person’s life satisfaction while providing a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, volunteerism has historically functioned as a civic duty in the USA. These advantages of volunteerism are well-documented in scientific literature, including my master’s thesis (Taillon, 2009). 

Our Waterland community relies heavily on volunteers to ensure community events take place. Volunteering significantly supports community nonprofits such as Destination Des Moines. Rotary of Des Moines and Normandy Park, and Des Moines Legacy Foundation. Without volunteers, the dozens of events that these organizations perform annually would not be possible. The most effective communities and desirable places to live rely on volunteers and our Waterland community is no different. Simply put, volunteerism is fundamental to our community’s well-being. 

However, volunteerism has declined in recent years. This decline in volunteerism may be most pronounced among younger generations but trends are concerning with all demographics. Volunteerism has significantly decreased nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. To be specific, volunteerism declined 7% annually since 2020 for a total decline of 23% in the past approximately four years (Heim, 2023). The events and activities that enhance community safety and quality of life rely on individuals willing to engage in volunteerism. Without such involvement, these essential aspects of community life cannot continue. The events that many of us include as integral to our heritage will not exist in the immediate future, as soon as 2025, if our community cannot find volunteers.

Volunteers Needed

There are many wonderful organizations that someone can volunteer with in our Waterland Community. Yet, there are merely three nonprofit organizations responsible for a vast majority of the activities that take place and are open to everyone. You can visit these organization websites to learn more and contact them directly for volunteer opportunities: 

We face a critical juncture in our community’s volunteerism. A call to action is needed. The benefits of volunteering extend beyond the immediate impact on events and organizations; they touch on how our community operates and bonds exist between neighbors. I am hopeful we can reverse the declining trend in volunteerism to ensure the vitality of our community’s events. By reaching out to organizations like Destination Des Moines, Rotary of Des Moines and Normandy Park, or the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, we can all play a part in preserving and enhancing the quality of life that makes our Waterland community special. 

REFERENCES

  • Heim, J. (2023, December 9). Nonprofits need more help than ever: Why aren’t Americans volunteering? Washington Post. 
  • Taillon, J. & Jamal, T. (2009). Understanding the volunteer tourist: A qualitative inquiry. The VolunTourist, 4(4).