Question: Why Most New Yorkers Don't Volunteer

A recent report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service shows that New York ranks last among states in volunteerism.

According to the annual Volunteering in American report, which is based on data from the Census Bureau’s current population survey, about 20% of New Yorkers volunteered any kind of service in 2010. Utah led the nation with over twice as much participation rate at 44.5%.

According to lohud.com, eighteen states posted participation rates of 30% or more, and New York City had one of the lowest volunteer rates for major cities with 17.2%. Only Miami had a lower rate at 15.2%. Rochester was New York’s leader in volunteerism, with a 33.8% participation rate, the fifth highest among the U.S.’s big cities. 

So here is our question: Why are New York's volunteering numbers so low? Where does the cost of living in New York fit into all of this? Is this an issue of resources or mindset?

Tell us in the comments below.

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