University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) reported on Mar. 13 that volunteer participation patterns have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting programs such as 4-H and Master Gardeners. The organization said it has become more challenging to rely on volunteers, with staff taking on additional responsibilities to compensate for reduced volunteer efforts.
This trend is not unique to UC ANR. Many organizations that depend on volunteers are experiencing similar difficulties. A 2023 report from the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy found that nearly half of CEOs in volunteer organizations now consider recruiting enough volunteers a significant problem, compared to less than a third in 2003.
UC ANR analyzed national data sets, including those from the Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, which show that while formal volunteering rates have mostly rebounded after the pandemic, they have not fully returned to previous levels. Millennials are the only generational cohort whose volunteering rates now exceed pre-pandemic figures. However, there has been a notable decline in the intensity or time commitment of individual volunteers. Data comparing 2017 and 2023 reveal a shift toward fewer hours volunteered per person, with median annual hours dropping from 40 to 24.
The analysis also indicates that this reduction in volunteer intensity began before the pandemic, suggesting broader societal changes unrelated to Covid-19 disruptions. This aligns with research identifying an increase in episodic volunteering—shorter-term commitments rather than ongoing service—as first described by Nancy McDuff in 1990.
UC ANR operates Cooperative Extension services across all California counties and manages nine research and extension centers representing diverse ecosystems according to its official website. The organization secures funding through public contributions and conducts over 33,800 educational events annually with more than 18,400 volunteers according to its official website. It is recognized for linking university research with community needs and promoting sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website.
Looking ahead, UC ANR suggests that groups relying on volunteers may need to adapt by offering shorter service opportunities and providing strong support for engagement. “The people are out there, they just are less free with donating their time,” the statement said.