“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”

 — Erma Bombeck

There’s a sad statistic buried in this info graphic by CNCS, the agency that oversees Americorps and other service oriented government programs.

Answer below.

The graphic paints a very nice portrait of parent volunteering in America, showing how they volunteer more than the general population. It’s heartening to know that over one-third of parents are giving time to their communities and their kids. Still, there’s one statistic that is, at least to me, quite sad.

The overall volunteer rate in 2011 was only 26.8%. Barely 1 in 4 people volunteer. And that’s a five year high.

We can do better, America. And with your help, we can.

Talk up volunteering to your family, friends, and neighbors. Find the time to not only give back, but to talk about giving back. Put ‘self’ aside for a few minutes and talk about ‘ourselves.’ Put political opinions on hold and opine about community. Set differences aside and talk about making a difference.

Let other parents know how your kids will probably try harder in school if their parents volunteer in the classroom. Let your friends know that there are homeless people right in your community that go to bed hungry every night. And let your neighbors know that it’s easy to join forces to help plant trees to make your neighborhood more beautiful.

We can do better, America.

And we will, because I know that so many of you reading already talk it up. Thank you!

Today’s gifts of time … Gave my wife some help with several computer related issues … Bundled up several bags of cans and bottles to take to the store for a donation to the schools tomorrow … Repaired an old desk in preparation for donating it to charity … And gave the gas station attendant a packet of hand warmers on a very chilly evening showing my kids that’s it’s ok to be generous.

Hat tip to Katya’s Non-Profit Marketing blog for bringing the graphic to my attention.