That's according to a national survey done for The Points of Light Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization devoted to promoting volunteerism. The Points of Light Foundation, is the founding partner of Connect America, a growing national coalition of organizations, nonprofit associations, businesses, government, media, and individuals that share a commitment to making "connection through service" an integral part of American life. The rationale for the Connect America program rests in these two beliefs:

Connecting through volunteer service is a powerful tool for bringing people together and solving community problems. When your volunteer service helps young people, you are also helping to create a far better future for all of us.

You can begin with a short-term service activity and build to a more long-term commitment. Whether you start small or large, every effort has impact and everyone's effort is needed. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Contact a service organization in your community that has volunteer opportunities, particularly those directed at helping children and youth—an area of great need. They'll help you get involved.
2. Become a mentor to a young child or teen who needs a caring adult.
3. Organize a study hour for young people.
4. Involve a young person in a community service activity so that he or she can also experience the benefits of service to others.
5. Serve as a career day speaker at a local school.
6. Start an afternoon tutorial and recreation program for "latchkey" children.
7. Participate in a "walk a child from school" program.
8. Help tutor a child in reading or math skills.
9. Become a foster parent.
10. Become a "phone pal" for a "latchkey" child by joining or organizing a "telephone reassurance" program, a particularly good way to build intergenerational connections between seniors and kids.
11. Coach a youth sports team.
12. Encourage your company to "adopt" a classroom or local school.
13. Help teach a young person to read.
14. Coach a young person in résumé writing and job interview skills.
15. Teach several young people your special talent or craft.
16. Help a child by helping a parent. Coach a young expectant mother on prenatal care or provide transportation to prenatal appointments.
17. Start a conflict resolution program at a local school. Call the National Institute for Dispute Resolution at (202) 466-4764 for additional information.
18. If you are an employer, allow your employees work-release time to tutor and mentor kids.
19. Encourage your place of worship to connect with a church/religious organization in another neighborhood and do a joint community service project. Involve young people from both neighborhoods.
20. Look at the needs in your community and think about your skills and talents. Then create your own special connecting through service activity.