How Nonprofit Volunteerism Has Changed Over the Years Research Paper

How Nonprofit Volunteerism Has Changed Over the Years - Research Paper Example The researcher states that Martin Luther King, Jr. said, â€Å"Lifes most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’† A general definition of volunteerism or volunteer is a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service or one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest. In a way, volunteerism can be looked upon as servant leadership.   According to author Robert K. Greenleaf, the servant-leader is the servant first.   Volunteerism begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve and is also able to do so.   Then conscious brings one to aspire to lead.   The best test for becoming a servant leader is to ask if those served to grow as persons:   do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely themselves to become servants?   Also, it is essential to assess what is the effect on the least pr ivileged in society. It is important to ask if the volunteer act will benefit the disadvantages section, or, at least, not further deprived them. Volunteers are essential components of most nonprofit programs as they provide services to clientele who might not otherwise be served. As such, it can be stated that volunteerism is an important service that enables the non-profit organizations to manage their resources and deliver on their goals. As with any movement, volunteerism has undergone significant changes over the years. This study would trace the changes in the volunteering trends in the US and Canada and highlight the various aspects that are responsible for the changing trends.