The Social Importance of the Internet

Based on the article, “'The Social Side Of The Internet': Web Users More Likely To Volunteer, Study Shows ,” internet users are more likely to be involved in volunteer activities than their non internet-user counterparts. This is not surprising, considering how socially involved most people are via the internet. It has become the hub of many a party invitation, advertisement, current event, and direct social interaction.

Statistics show that “80% of internet users participate in groups, compared with 56% of non-internet users. Moreover, social media users are even more likely to be active: 82% of social network users and 85% of Twitter users are group participants.”

Generation Y (people born between 1977 and 1990): I strongly encourage you to spread your “internet knowledge” to those who might be intimidated by or not familiar with this new wave of technology innovation. Hint: take a look at our ever-growing baby boomer generation and beyond. Show them how to navigate the web, while stressing the importance of this incredible resource.

Volunteer programs, in particular, have significantly grown and flourished due to their use of internet marketing. For example, the internet has become one of Met Council’s key tools in volunteer recruitment, as it has helped to pique the interests of those who otherwise would not have necessarily been informed about our volunteer opportunities.

Check out Met Council news, videos and more at www.metcouncil.org and get involved on our Facebook page!

National Volunteer Rate Shows Increase

Last year the entertainment industry, big businesses, and the President himself incited American citizens to volunteer their time. So what were the results of all this encouragement?

According to the Department of Labor, only about 1 in 4 individuals volunteered their time last year from September 2008 to September to 2009. In total 63.4 million people participated in some form of community service, an increase of 0.4% from 2008.

Let us know your thoughts: are you surprised by these figures? Did you expect more or less people? Were you the one in four last year that volunteered your time? If the newest statistics make you itch to give back to the community, contact us at volunteer@metcouncil.org.