Economics

Throughout most of history, dominant opinion held that women and war don't mix. But when men were summoned overseas to the front lines during World War II, who stepped up to serve the armed forces at home?

By Jane McGrath

Every day, millions of people visit museums to admire ancient artifacts, commune with the likes of Monet and relish the simple beauty of a Japanese garden. Volunteers help make this possible.

By Sarah Siddons

From collecting native plant seeds in Alaska's Denali National Park to digging for fossils in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Geological Survey offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities to those wanting to donate time to natural science.

By Sarah Siddons

Across the country, parks and recreation departments maintain outdoor recreation facilities, run programs and offer classes such as yoga, karate and arts and crafts. With so much going on, it's obvious that these departments need volunteers.

By Sarah Siddons

The African Scientific Research Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African American culture as a legacy for future generations. Want to get involved? You can -- as a volunteer.

By William Harris

You don't need a medical degree to volunteer at a hospital. Sometimes all you need to offer is a smile and some conversation. You'll be brightening someone's day -- and yours in turn.

By Libby Little

Before life-saving (or erection-inducing) drugs reach the public, they go through a lengthy and rigorous series of tests to ensure they're safe and effective. What is life like as a human guinea pig?

By Tom Scheve

The government agencies, nonprofit organizations, substance-abuse centers and mental health clinics that provide mental health services are often understaffed and overwhelmed. This is where you come in.

By Tom Scheve

Want to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history? We're not talking about a musty pop-up book about the Civil War. If you've got the time and mettle, volunteer in historical reenactments.

By Jane McGrath

The YMCA -- or Young Men's Christian Association -- is a large nonprofit with international reach and several thousand local branches that rely on the help of volunteers.

By Eleanor Duse

Being a doctor is no easy task -- someone with an M.D. behind his or her name has survived several years of rigorous training and schooling. But only a few sign up to work in a war zone.

By Molly Edmonds

If there's one thing the developing world (and war-torn countries) need, it's medical supplies -- surgical gloves, needles, heart monitors. So who gets it to them? Project C.U.R.E.

By Molly Edmonds

Project HOPE started in an old Navy medical vessel and grew into an international health aid organization that has saved millions of lives and has trained millions more to do the same.

By Dave Roos

While it wasn't their explicit mission, ladies' aid societies gave women a leg up in the struggle for equal rights. And you could say their platform was squeaky clean: It was all about sanitation and good health.

By Jane McGrath

Donating money or volunteering for distant, unfamiliar organizations can make you feel a bit detached from your charitable intentions. A great way to get directly involved is to join your local United Way.

By Libby Little

When you think of the word "club," you might imagine a group you were part of as a child or teen. Rotary Club is one organization that recaptures that spirit in an organization for adults.

By Libby Little

Kiwanis Club is an international organization that's based on the Golden Rule. But it's not just a social group for kindness -- the organization aims to improve health and literacy around the world.

By Sarah Siddons

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Lions Clubs International has a simple motto: "We serve." Today it's one of the world’s largest service organizations, with 1.3 million members in more than 200 countries including China, Ethiopia and Iraq.

By Sarah Siddons

In FDR's first 100 days, he created the Civilian Conservation Corps. This program gave young men a work ethic and a paycheck while bolstering the economy and infrastructure, as well as combating crime and illiteracy.

By Jane McGrath

After witnessing German Luftwaffe bombers' terrible effect on London, President Roosevelt decided America needed extra protection at home. The Office of the Civilian Defense was one of the biggest wartime volunteer efforts.

By Stephanie Watson

Joining the Peace Corps has always seemed like a dream opportunity -- except that you wish you could serve in the U.S. instead of another country. Well, your wish could come true -- as an AmeriCorps volunteer.

By Eleanor Duse

Gone are the days of scouring church newsletters and community bulletin boards. Today, finding volunteer work is a lot like trying to find a love interest online -- complete with profiles that include pictures, testimonials and reasons why you’d be t

By John Barrymore

Volunteers of America is a trusted and respected organization that's been helping people rebuild their lives for more than 100 years. How can you lend a hand?

By Libby Little

Whether you're running a political campaign, cleaning up the community or promoting an independent film, volunteerism is a truly awesome tool to have at your disposal.

By Robert Lamb

Missionary work in the 19th century struggled to reconcile colonialism and Christianity. Today, missionaries provide as much aid as they do religious guidance -- and they represent more religions, too.

By Jane McGrath