Individuals who give their time and energy without expectation of monetary payment are among the most genuine and caring in the world. Moreover, they are helping contribute to a well-functioning, healthy society, according to researchers from the University of Texas (UT) at Austin.
"When we connect with one another in associations we learn that our self interest is actually connected to the interests of others. That gives us a conception of the public good, common identity and sense of common responsibility as a nation and as citizens. Any decline in that scholars see as potentially detrimental to democracy," said researcher and UT professor Pamela Paxton.
However, the author and her team conducted a study which reveals not just a decline in donations to nonprofits, charities and volunteer organizations, but a drop in the number of people offering to contribute their human brain potential to causes that may make the world a more peaceful place.
The researchers examined the lifestyle of 10,000 individuals in a sample group of the U.S. The majority of study participants lived in small towns in Iowa.
They discovered that the number of people volunteering dropped by about 24 percent from 1994 to 2004. Additionally, they found that participation in recreational groups dropped by 6 percent, while the number of people giving their time to churches and political organizations fell by 3.5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that volunteerism is key in building personal development skills, since it helps individuals forget about themselves for a minute and do something good for society. Results of this study underscore a need for motivation among people seeking fulfillment and an improved mankind.
