By the people

the long version

Volunteering is so pervasive in the United States that it can be observed daily in almost every aspect of life, from giving blood to handing out political leaflets. The problem is that volunteering, because it is so pervasive, often goes unrecognized. The historical chapters of this book present an overview of the involvement of volunteers in every area of American life and trace the effect of this involvement on American institutions, professions, and social events.