42% of Virginians said they contribute to their communities because they have experience and skills they know can help others. But inspiration comes in many forms:

• 30% said they started contributing because it was an important part of their spirituality or house of worship.

• 28% said they started giving back because they were helped in a time of need.

• 49% said they regularly volunteer because helping others gives them a sense of fulfillment in their lives.

Those who volunteered within the past year most often did so with youth or educational organizations, food pantries or hunger relief organizations, faith communities, or health-related organizations. In addition, in the past year:

• 62% volunteered with more than one organization.
• 80% said they volunteered at least once a month.
• 79% said their level of volunteering increased or remained the same.

68% of Virginians said they voted in a local, state or national election in the past year. But voting isn’t the only way Virginians make their voices heard.

• 34% said they posted or shared content on social media related to a political or social cause.
• 26% said they originated or signed a written or virtual petition.
• 23% said they attended a public meeting to discuss a local issue.

When considering the most pressing needs where they live, Virginians most often identified education, health and well-being and housing.

• 49% of those who chose EDUCATION as a top priority said teacher burnout was the number one issue to address.
• 59% of those who chose HEALTH AND WELL-BEING as a top priority said behavioral and mental health was a top-two area of need.
• 82% of those who chose HOUSING as a top priority said affordability of rental properties was the most pressing issue to address.