This report explores the role of volunteering and direct service as a response and solution to the growing social issues such as loneliness, lack of connection, and exclusion. Through a firsthand immersive experience volunteering at an all abilities inclusive prom, insights from a community practitioner, and data collected from a survey, the report highlights the value and importance of volunteer work. It emphasizes that while volunteering can create genuine impact, it also requires intentional effort, patience, and an understanding of the needs of the communities being served. By connecting personal reflection with broader research on the loneliness epidemic, the article presents volunteering as a way to build human connection, create inclusion, and strengthen communities. The report signifies the importance of shifting away from passive awareness to prioritizing thoughtful action. Ultimately, showing that even small, intentional efforts can create meaningful change.
This section summarizes the student’s data-gathering process and key findings from survey, interview, or other inquiry methods.
ods and the key findings and insights in relation to the Pathway.
The purpose of my survey was to gauge to what extent the general public views volunteer work as helpful or harmful. I created my three question survey on Google Forms and I collected my data by asking people on social media platforms to take my survey. My survey received 22 responses.
My first question and the most insight gaining question was a scenario question which is presented below:
“Scenario Question: Imagine you're organizing an activity for students with the goal to teach them about a specific issue/cause. You think it would be a great learning experience to involve the students with a direct service activity. You reach out to a local non-profit to ask if they have any volunteer opportunities for your group. They reach back out and you set a date, as the date gets closer they reach out to you and let you know they have to cancel because they are swamped with work and no longer have the capacity to host you.”
This is sudden and you’re confused, you think to yourself:
“We are offering them free volunteer help, what do they mean they don’t have the capacity to host us? Wouldn’t our volunteers help them take things off their plate and make things easier for them?”
Take a moment to consider the scenario. From your perspective, why do you think the non-profit had to cancel?
If you can’t think of a reason, respond with “not sure”
Out of the 22 responses I received a variety of answers that touched on very similar thought processes. I will only be presenting the ones that stood out most to me or the ones that I feel well represent the other responses. I also only received a singular “not sure” response. The responses are presented below:
My analysis on the first question and the responses:
My intention with this question was to see if the general public considers the time the organization would have to dedicate towards training volunteers. The responses show that there is large consideration on the time that is required for organizations to prep/train their volunteers along with other considerations such as safety, liability and overall efficiency of volunteers.
The second question I asked go as follows:
“Do you believe that there are instances where volunteering can cause more harm than good?”
Out of the 22 respondents, 14 people responded with “yes”, 5 people responded with “no”, 2 people responded with “I’m unsure”, and 1 person responded with “if the volunteers aren’t doing the work right or are being careless about it could be harmful”
A pie chart representing the data is presented below:
My analysis on the second question and the responses:
The data represents that a majority of people acknowledge that sometimes some volunteer work can be harmful. However this is very dependent on the circumstances that can’t be clearly depicted by the nature of the question. One individual even stated that not doing the work right or being careless could be harmful which I find accurate.
The last question I asked goes as follows:
“Out of the two options below, which one do you think is more efficient?
Option 1: Maintaining the same volunteers but having less volunteers
Option 2: Having more volunteers but having to re-train new volunteers regularly
Out of the 22 respondents, 14 people responded with “Option 1”, 7 people responded with “Option 2”, and 1 person responded with “Grow but grow slow. It's better to have a dedicated group of experienced volunteers than a wide fresh batch of volunteers. But the idea is to grow the core group and teach new people constantly even if it's slowly or in small batches."
A pie chart representing the data is presented below:
My analysis on the last question and the responses:
I wasn’t expecting a specific outcome on this question, I wasn’t sure exactly how people would respond. According to the data a majority of the respondents believe that maintaining the same volunteers but having less is more efficient then having more volunteers but having to train them more frequently. I am curious if the nature of my previous two questions led respondents to feeling like dedicating time to training people on a regular basis is not optimal. However, there is a singular respondent that gave a third option which was inclusive to both of the options that I gave. I feel that this response is more accurately representative of a real life scenario.
Community Partner Discussion
This section shares insights from a community partner interview, connecting their perspective to the Pathway theme.
I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend Abass Sesay who is involved with the Sammy’s Buddy Program. My initial question to him was “What is the Sammy’s Buddy Program and what initially made you begin working alongside them? Abass stated that the organization focuses on “inclusion by creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect, build friendships, and develop leadership skills”. He shared with me that he initially connected with Anne Kimble who is the project manager for the program through “CCEC service” where Anne expressed her interest in his involvement as a volunteer opportunity. Abass stated that he started working with them because he enjoys “helping people and wanted to be part of something meaningful where” he “could make a difference in others lives while also growing personally”. I additionally asked what his specific role of involvement is and he stated that he helps out with volunteering at events along with helping kids and teaching them basic life skills, with writing, or simply just providing them with friendship and someone to talk to. Ultimately, he stated that he just goes there to spend his time with them.
My next question for Abass was “While working alongside this program and their goal towards inclusion and leadership for all abilities, have you noticed any challenges or barriers while working towards that goal?" Abass expressed that a challenge he has noticed is that “everyone has different needs and communication styles, so it can take extra time and effort to make sure everyone feels included”. He added that “sometimes people may feel shy or unsure at first, so it’s important to be patient and create a comfortable environment where they feel confident to participate.” My last question for Abass was “While working with this program can you tell me about any impactful experiences you've had and how those experiences have shaped your view regarding volunteer work?” Abass shared his experience with “walking with the kids one on one” and how he views it as very impactful because even though it’s “small and simple” he’s just being there for the kids and being their friend. He expressed that he feels like “we all need friends” but sometimes we don’t know who to go for friendship. He also shared about the experiences that the kids share with him and how they express that they enjoy being there and talking to Abass. He stated that it’s a simple thing but it means a lot to them because it allows them to feel included and acknowledged. I additionally asked Abass if he feels like he makes a genuine impact on these kids and he shared with me that he feels like he does because it’s “coming out of love” and that he enjoys connecting with people and viewing different perspectives. He also expressed that often these kids show gratitude towards him and that they show genuine interest in when he’ll be back. Abass shared his viewpoint and stated that the kids he works with are very open-minded, always eager to connect with new people, and always have good-spirits despite the additional struggles they have to face on a daily basis.
Abass shared his final thoughts with me and stated that he thinks voluntary service just has to deal with genuine service and simply finding “something that makes you passionate, something you’re happy about doing.” He also stated it can be simple things that don’t have to be huge that can be outside of work and school and ultimately just things that get you involved in the community.
This section summarizes readings and research related to a relevant topic within the student’s Pathway and connects them to larger patterns or themes.
Human connection is something I believe to be very important for human well-being. In recent years there has been a spike in individuals feeling loneliness and isolation. In an article written by Ally Bush, she stated “In April 2023, the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and public health authorities recognized loneliness as a significant public health concern” (Bush, 2024). In other words, there is a concern of a loneliness epidemic. As a 20 year old female college student, I can personally contest this. I feel that our phones and social media are a large contribution to it, which is ironic because social media is supposedly meant to make connecting with friends and families more accessible. In the same article Bush stated “A recent study revealed that people who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, especially if their motive for being on social media was to maintain contact with friends and family” (Bush, 2024). Based on this data, I feel that it’s safe to make the claim that social media interactions with other people and friends is not the equivalent of having face to face human connection. Relative to this, I have found that on campus and most public spaces, it is difficult to feel comfortable going up to strangers and making friends. I feel that it’s a habit and a comfort to retreat back to my phone where I don’t have to take any risks or fear rejection as the algorithms on my phone have learned to know me well and provide me with instant gratification. In an article written by Madeline Holcombe, a writer for CNN Health, she highlighted the quote “A lot of our separation right now has to do with people making no effort to be kind, not having that on their priority list at all,” Saltz said. “A lot of what’s torturous about social media, or even about in real life, is people being quick to be unkind, quick to be judgmental, quick to be divisive…” (Holcombe, 2024). This quote addresses my concern of receiving rejection in social situations, specifically in real life interactions with strangers that can create hesitance in attempting to make new connections with other individuals.
In a recent Harvard study, Elizabeth M. Ross (2024) stated that “People between 30-44 years of age were the loneliest group — 29% of people in this age range said they were ‘frequently’ or ‘always’ lonely”. Her research also stated “Among 18–29-year-olds — the rate was 24%” and "adults aged 65 and older reported the lowest rate: 10% felt lonely” (Ross, 2024). Ross’s research clearly represents that a good portion of youth and adults are frequently experiencing loneliness. To further add to this, the loneliness that is being experienced isn’t just a typical loneliness, it’s existential. Ross stated that “Of those who were lonely, for example, 65% said they felt fundamentally separate or disconnected from others or the world, and 57% said they were unable to share their true selves with others” (Ross, 2024).
Now the question is, how did we get here? In the same study, Ross provided us with the statistics of the leading cause. She stated “73% of those surveyed selected technology as contributing to loneliness in the country” (Ross, 2024). She also highlighted other causes which are insufficient time with family, people who are overworked/busy/tired, mental health challenges, and living in a society that is too individualistic (Ross, 2024). All of these factors are reasons that were listed by those who were surveyed in the study.
Now we have this issue that I’ve introduced, but what is the solution? Volunteer work and civic engagement are a great way to involve yourself within your surrounding community and allow for safe environments to be created. Jessica Kennedy, a behavioral health expert, stated in the context of her profession “…we can also seek out related advocacy or volunteer opportunities that provide a sense of purpose and can combat feelings of helplessness and inefficacy” (Kenny et al., 2024). In other words, volunteering opportunities are a great way to pull yourself out of the intense feelings that surround loneliness. To further strengthen this claim, Bush stated that volunteering “ shifts the focus from one’s own struggles to the needs of others, creating a perspective that is both outward-looking and positive. This sense of purpose is instrumental in mitigating feelings of loneliness, as it reaffirms the individual’s value and impact in the world” (Bush, 2024). Gaining a sense of purpose through addressing the needs of others can be very rewarding and allows for the gain of new perspectives that help cultivate deeper connections with others. This can be seen in an example presented by Witney Bauk (2026), a writer for The Guardian. She shared the story of 48 year old Mary Holzman-Tweed who “...was looking for a way to heal after hitting rock bottom, she involved herself in a local mutual aid effort to build and run a food pantry… as a way to try to give back to her community.” The experiences that Mary gained from volunteer work changed her perspective and have allowed her to gain “more confidence in other social settings” where “she feels known there in a way she never did before” Bauck, 2026). Overall, volunteer work provides an experience that allows individuals to connect with their communities and avert loneliness.
This section highlights helpful tools or guides that support real-world application of the Pathway.
The Volunteer Voices Podcast video provided by Volunteering Matters highlights how people from different backgrounds share their personal experiences with volunteering and the impact it has on both their communities and themselves. These individuals speak on stories of mentoring, advocacy, and helping vulnerable groups. The video shows that volunteering does not require special skills or large time commitments but that anyone can make a difference. The individuals also talk about motivators that keep them involved in volunteer work. An important topic that is talked about in the video is that direct service creates real immediate change. While also helping volunteers build confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose. The video shows that even small acts of service can strengthen communities and inspire others to get involved.
This article by Heart to Heart explains that volunteering can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities by helping them build social connections, confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose. However, it highlights that many people face barriers such as lack of accessibility, limited accommodations, and negative assumptions about their abilities. The article provides ways to create inclusive volunteer opportunities by improving accessibility, offering flexible roles, simplifying application processes, and providing training and support. The article highlights that when organizations remove barriers and adopt inclusive practices, individuals with disabilities can actively contribute in volunteer work. https://www.h2hhc.com/blog/ways-to-involve-individuals-with-disabilities-in-volunteer-work
This article written by Elisa Kosarin explains how modern volunteer programs, especially in museums, are evolving to better reflect diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. It highlights that newer programs are intentionally designed to be more inclusive by removing barriers and welcoming people of different backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences. The article touches on strategies that include broad community outreach, flexible volunteer roles, accessible application processes, and focusing on creating a sense of belonging. The article also emphasizes that building inclusive volunteer programs requires intentional effort that ultimately strengthens both organizations and the communities that they serve.
This section reflects on a firsthand or immersive experience related to the Pathway topic.
I had the opportunity of volunteering at a prom for students of all abilities ages 18+ which was organized by Sammy’s Buddy Program and Life Skills Academy. I was asked to volunteer by my friend Abass Sesay who is involved with the Sammy’s Buddy program.The theme was a night full of stars and from what I gathered the event was set up to provide a prom experience for students with disabilities, their family, and their friends. When I arrived I immediately got put to work, I helped out with setting up the snack table and helping afterwards with the cleanup. Prior to this experience, I had zero involvement with the organizations and zero connections with the organizers and volunteers but I didn’t feel out of place because we were all occupied setting up. An insight I gained about volunteering that I’ve never noticed before is that it immediately breaks the awkwardness between new people interacting. This is because everyone has a task at hand and communication becomes less about conversation and more about delegating tasks. It allowed me to instantly create a connection with some of the other volunteers because we were all there for the same thing which allowed for conversation topics that related to volunteering, which was great small talk while we all worked. Throughout the night, I experienced a range of emotions. Once the event started, I designated myself to the task of holding the door open for the attendees for the first half of the event. It was extremely heart warming to witness the pure excitement and joy that a lot of the attendees expressed. There was a red carpet leading up to the door and I think this was a great addition because it allowed each individual to have their special moment before entering the prom. I saw many faces full of joy and in turn it allowed me to feel that same amount of joy and excitement. While attending the event I couldn’t help but feel a little bit out of place because I noticed that most people already knew each other and were likely involved in the same communities that I’m not involved in. As a volunteer I couldn’t help but feel like I wasn’t an attendee but rather an individual working at the event so I felt hesitant to enjoy all of the refreshments and food provided. However, later on in the night one of the organizers Anne was kind enough to express to me that I was allowed to partake in the refreshments and food. I found this gesture very kind and relieving and made note to myself that if I’m ever organizing an event where I have volunteers that I would make it a priority to make sure all volunteers feel welcomed and included. I played the role of observer for a majority of the night and the environment that was created at that event was very raw and accepting. It truly felt like a place where everyone was allowed to be unapologetically themselves without judgement and I found it very charming. It was stated by one of the organizers that this was actually the first time they hosted this event and were planning for it to be a more regular occurrence, this was surprising to me because for it being the first time the event was hosted there was a really great turnout. I was ultimately very thankful to be part of such a beautiful event and I am very glad that there are people who are regularly working towards making more inclusive spaces where people can truly just be themselves.
This section offers closing reflections and invites readers to consider how they can apply the insights in their own lives and communities.
I gained a lot of insight from the immersive experience I had the privilege of volunteering at and the research I did on the topic of the loneliness epidemic and volunteerism as a solution. The process of writing this newsletter has allowed me to look inward and reflect on what community and human to human connection means to me and its importance. If I’ve learned one thing it’s that meaningful impact comes from thoughtful action. If we want to address issues like loneliness, exclusion, and lack of community, we have to move beyond passive awareness and take initiative in our own lives.
Here are some suggestions on what this impact may look like, for this topic it doesn’t have to be complicated:
Volunteering is not just about being present, but about being intentional in the way we show up for others. The environments we wish existed that are welcoming, accepting, and genuine, are only possible if we actively contribute to them.
This section summarizes the student’s data-gathering process and key findings from survey, interview, or other inquiry methods.
My data collection effort was targeted specifically toward Utah Valley University students. The main goal was to gauge how many—and to what extent—UVU students involve themselves in volunteer or direct service opportunities, and what they take from those experiences. I also wanted to determine how many students are aware of the Grit Garden on campus and the resources it offers. The survey was designed to adapt to respondents’ answers.
Of the 32 responses, two-thirds said they had volunteered in the past. However, an overwhelming majority indicated that the biggest barrier to volunteering or participating in direct service was a lack of time. Several mentioned transportation and class schedules as additional challenges.
Those who had been involved in direct service initiatives reflected positively on their experiences, using words and phrases such as fulfillment, connections, and community.
Based on these responses, most people said that once they learn about volunteer opportunities, they are more likely to participate. This suggests that people are willing to make time in their schedules if they are aware of opportunities.
This section shares insights from a community partner interview, connecting their perspective to the Pathway theme.
Imagine a source of fresh produce accessible to college students for free. For many students, like myself, this sounds like a great opportunity to save money and eat healthy. Fortunately for UVU students, this is a reality—it’s called Fresh Food Fridays, sourced by the Grit Garden.
Boston Swan, the Greenhouse Director of the Grit Garden, runs the volunteer-based garden on campus alongside Garden Manager Austin Harvey. The garden was created about three years ago by UVU’s Sustainability Committee, inspired by two ideas: first, to have “somewhere to teach people how to grow their own food,” and second, to support the UVU Care Hub’s need for fresh produce.
Boston told me passionately that she and Austin “care so much about students” and “want them to be able to have food because school is expensive and life is expensive.”
When I asked what the garden would be like without volunteers, Boston immediately replied, “The Grit Garden would not exist without volunteers.” She explained that she and Austin “can barely scratch the surface of keeping on top of stuff if we don’t have volunteers—it would be a weed patch without them.”
When asked how the Grit Garden improves students’ lives, Boston said one of the biggest things volunteers gain is self-confidence. She described the process of gardening—planting a seed, watching it grow, and later harvesting it—as “a valuable and tangible source of pride.” She added that volunteers gain a new appreciation for the labor behind the food we eat and that gardening helps people “come out of their shells,” meet others, and build lasting friendships.
This section summarizes readings and research related to a relevant topic within the student’s Pathway and connects them to larger patterns or themes.
Direct service and volunteering typically have a good reputation and are viewed in a positive light, but not everyone chooses to volunteer. This led me to explore: What are common barriers people face when participating in direct service or volunteering opportunities?
Amy Yotopoulos, in Three Reasons Why People Don’t Volunteer, and What Can Be Done About It, explains that the main reason people don’t volunteer is due to time constraints and inflexible schedules. Reflecting on my survey results, this aligned closely with what UVU students reported—many said volunteering “usually overlaps with work or school schedules.”
Yotopoulos suggests making volunteering more accessible, such as encouraging employers to support volunteerism onsite or nearby. This would remove one of the most common barriers—transportation.
Rebecca Nebait, in The Decline of Volunteering in the U.S. Explained, identifies “economic disadvantages” as another key barrier. People living in poorer communities tend to volunteer less, creating what she calls “a troubling feedback loop where civic disengagement and economic hardship reinforce one another.” She argues that effective solutions must address both economic and social infrastructures to enable people to give their time and talents. Policymakers and community leaders must collaborate to break this cycle.
The final barrier is a lack of personal connection to volunteer work. Meghan Speer (2024), in [POV] Overcoming the Challenges of Volunteering, writes that many volunteer experiences are “often repetitive, dry, and unremarkable tasks that don’t make for great stories.” People may expect immediate gratification or emotional rewards, which can lead to disappointment.
This resonated with my own experience at the Grit Garden. Pulling weeds didn’t feel particularly exciting, and no one congratulated me for completing small tasks. But when I realized that each small task meant less work for others, I found motivation in the shared effort. Speer concluded that accepting volunteer work as meaningful even without “intense emotions” helps people become better volunteers. The true product of service lies in the work completed, not in external praise.
This section highlights helpful tools or guides that support real-world application of the Pathway.
How to Know if a Volunteer Program Is Legitimate — CleanUp
This article from CleanUp provides practical steps for verifying whether a volunteer
program is transparent and ethical. It offers red flags to avoid (such as unrealistic
promises) and suggests reviewing a program’s website, speaking with past volunteers,
and confirming that the organization clearly communicates its mission.https://www.cleanupusa.org/how-to-know-if-a-volunteer-program-is-legitimate
Evaluating the Ethics of Volunteering — Global Brigades
This article explores how to ensure your volunteer work is ethical. It warns against
programs that take a “white-saviorism” approach and emphasizes the need for reflection,
education, and preparation before engaging.https://blog.globalbrigades.org/evaluating-the-ethics-of-volunteering
Before You Volunteer, Make Sure You’re Actually Helping — The Kenan Institute for
Ethics
Kay Jowers’ article emphasizes how individuals can make the most effective contributions
by bringing their specific skills to support organizations as a whole. She encourages
self-awareness and deliberate engagement to ensure your work genuinely benefits the
community.
https://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/before-you-volunteer-make-sure-youre-actually-helping-nine-tips-for-ethical-community-engagement/
This section reflects on a firsthand or immersive experience related to the Pathway topic.
One of the best things about gardening, for me personally, is that you don’t have to worry about getting dirty—the expectation is already there. I volunteered at the Grit Garden for two hours during one of their scheduled volunteer sessions on Tuesday from 9–11 a.m. I jumped right in, first picking green peas off their vines, then moving on to okra. The sound of nature was soothing, and I was left alone with my thoughts while working.
While picking okra, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of dishes it was used in. I had never seen okra before, and its shape caught my attention—the garden grew both red and green varieties. I noticed that the largest pods often grew near the bottom of the plants, shaded from the sun. I wondered if that was because they were harder to see and therefore picked less often or if it had something to do with the sunlight. After picking okra, I gathered cherry tomatoes and then pulled weeds around the crops.
I soon realized that this work was humbling. My knees, shins, and shoes were covered in dirt as I dug into the earth to pull up roots. Yet I found joy in this work. I was giving back to the same garden that had fed me a year earlier through Fresh Food Fridays. The sun was warm on my back, and I felt at peace.
Before volunteering, I had felt tired and sluggish, but afterward, I felt reconnected—with nature, my community, and myself. The experience was therapeutic, and I can’t wait to volunteer at the Grit Garden again. Self-driven volunteering means no one is forcing you to be there, and no one is congratulating you for each task—but the reward lies in using your own two hands to serve a community passionate about helping others.
This section offers closing reflections and invites readers to consider how they can apply the insights in their own lives and communities.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, I highly encourage you to check out the Grit Garden:https://uvugrit.garden/. It’s located behind the UCAS building by UVU at 940 W 800 S, Orem, UT 84058. Current volunteer hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9–11 a.m., and Wednesday from 3–5 p.m. Come springtime, they will need lots of help preparing the garden for planting.
The Grit Garden also provides Fresh Food Fridays. If you’re a UVU student in need of free, fresh produce, they are hosting their last events this month on October 17 and 31. Whether or not you participate, remember to appreciate the people who helped grow or prepare the food that reaches you.
There are many benefits to participating in direct service or volunteering. It can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it’s important to remember that the work is ultimately for the community. The intentions behind volunteering are just as important as the work itself. Be mindful of using your specific skills to serve effectively and ethically.
Even with genuine intentions, always make sure programs are transparent and mission-aligned to ensure your efforts create lasting impact. Thank you for joining me along this journey. If you have questions, feedback, or are interested in collaborating with the Center for Social Impact, we encourage you to reach out!
