From here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15632

 

<b>Columbus is 6th Best City for Volunteering</b>

 

<img src="http://www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov/assets/img/cities/Columbus_OH.jpg">

 

According to a new report released by <A href="http://www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov">VolunteeringinAmerica.gov</a>, Columbus ranked 6th in terms of volunteering in the US. From the site: "Columbus has an average annual volunteer rate of 34.7%, with 450,000 volunteers serving 55.8 million hours per year. By donating time to serve, Columbus' volunteers make an estimated annual economic contribution of $1.1 billion."

 

Minneapolis topped the list while Miami bottomed out. Cincinnati placed 17th, and Cleveland ranked 22nd.

I wonder if there is an "Ohio State effect" that helps the ranking.  I have to think having the biggest school in the country nearby would add a nice positive bounce.  Lots of highly encouraged and occasionally mandated volunteerism as a result (i.e. my fraternity requires 10 hours of community service/volunteerism each quarter).

I wonder if there is an "Ohio State effect" that helps the ranking. I have to think having the biggest school in the country nearby would add a nice positive bounce. Lots of highly encouraged and occasionally mandated volunteerism as a result (i.e. my fraternity requires 10 hours of community service/volunteerism each quarter).

 

I was thinking the same thing. Minneapolis is also a large university town.  I'd also guess that cities with large corporations would see a bump. They often have "volunteer days" where thousands of workers participate in a single project.

From the site: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/city.cfm?cityId=38

 

<b>Factors that influence Volunteer Rates</b>

The Corporation for National and Community Service has found that areas with higher homeownership rates and education levels tend to have higher volunteering rates. However, long average commuting times and high poverty rates can adversely affect volunteering rates.