Andover, VT Bone Builder Class

A recent report from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) confirms volunteerism as a powerful form of civic engagement. According to CNCS 25% of Americans, 1 in 4, participated in their communities through volunteering last year. That’s 62.6 million people in volunteer programs like Retired and Senior Volunteers (RSVP) with another 138 million engaged in “informal” volunteering like watching each other’s children, house sitting or helping seniors with shopping. One of the best features of the report is a listing of the top ten states for volunteering. Vermont is number 8 in the nation! Up from #14 a few years ago, thanks to the growing number of active volunteers responding to the needs in their communities.

Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS, writes “Giving back to our community is something we can all agree on – and taking this action is a powerful way to bring together Americans from all walks of life to build stronger, more equitable communities.”

Green Mountain RSVP (GMRSVP) program offers many opportunities for people 55 and over to give their time and talents in service to their communities. We work closely with food pantries, health care providers, transportation agencies and schools. GMRSVP volunteers deliver meals on wheels, help elders stay in their homes safely, take home-bound seniors and disabled adults to appointments, mentor children in grades K-12 and much more. Partnerships with over 100 non-profits in Bennington, Windsor, and Windham Counties create many interesting and much needed volunteer opportunities. Let’s keep pushing Vermont up the list. Your community is calling. Will you accept the challenge? Contact RSVP today and register as a volunteer. We need your help. WWW.RSVPVT.ORG

GMRSVP is sponsored by Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging and is a program of Senior Corps.