Economics

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

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment is celebrating 25 years of putting citizen scientists to work gathering data about the Earth. How can you help?

By Elizabeth Abbess & Sarah Gleim

The evolution of warfare has closely shadowed the technological ascent of man. Some sort of army or similar notion has marched side by side with us across the millennia. But how do you fill an army's ranks?

By Robert Lamb

On any given day, there are 100,000 active missing persons cases in the United States, with 52 percent of those cases involving children under the age of 18. The statistics are enough to make anyone want to do something about it.

By Sarah Siddons

As John F. Kennedy once said, "We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world -- or make it the last." Volunteering is a big part of that, here and abroad.

By Libby Little

Most people dread doing their taxes -- it's right up there with getting a root canal. But if you don't see what all the dreaded fuss of preparing taxes is about, you may be the perfect person to volunteer income tax assistance.

By Sarah Siddons

Millions of kids dream of becoming a firefighter when they grow up. If you still have dreams of fighting fires, becoming a volunteer firefighter might be the right path for you.

By Claribel Pope

Bankruptcy. Divorce. Eviction. Civil lawsuits. Debt collection. Unfortunately, the times we need professional legal assistance aren't necessarily the times we can afford lawyers.

By Eleanor Duse

Every year, millions of Americans die from illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. And every year, roughly 400,000 hospice volunteers help many of these people through their last few months of life.

By Sarah Siddons

Volunteering at the White House is a privilege and an honor. But you can't just walk up to the front gate and ask for an application to volunteer.

By Elizabeth Abbess