The document discusses volunteerism in the United States. It provides statistics on volunteer rates, time spent volunteering, who volunteers, and where volunteers provide service. Some key points include: in 2008, 61.8 million Americans volunteered with a national volunteer rate of 26.4%; volunteers contribute an estimated $18.77 per hour in value; parents, those with higher education, and retired individuals typically volunteer the most; and faith-based and social service organizations receive the most volunteers. The document also examines motivations for volunteering and barriers to participation.