With every other adult already volunteering, the overall number is unlikely to

grow. If non-profit organizations want to add to their activities they are already engaged

in, or attract volunteers from other organizations, they have to make their volunteers

more productive, which means giving them more work to do and additional responsibility

(Drucker, 2001).

 A majority of volunteer work is completed in associations or organizations. In

1995, 71% of the adults in the United States were members of associations, not including

memberships to churches and synagogues. In 1991, 53% of the population participated

in active unpaid volunteer work for non-profit organizations and associations (Smith,

2000). In 1998, survey results showed the highest rate of volunteer participation at 55%,

while the number of hours volunteered per week fell to 3.5 hours. Though there are

increasing numbers of people volunteering, fewer hours are being contributed by those

volunteers, which greatly increase the risk of volunteer burnout (Safrit & Merrill, 2002).

 Inherited in the legacy in America is volunteering on behalf of the common good.

People are identifiers of needs, issues, and problems and expect to participate in the

decision making on how to respond to these. Voluntary activities range from short-term

events, which have a time limit, to longer-term commitments of service such as serving

on a board. The choice to sit on an organization's board is an important decision (Scott,

2000). Safrit & Merrill (2002) stated that:

 The concept ofvolunteerism in North American society has evolved. What
 historically began as individualized, altruistic behaviors founded upon strong
 religious tenets has evolved into a contemporary social movement driven by a
 wide range of individual motivations, and organizational and governmental
 incentives. (p. 12)