Why We Must Fight the Fade of Volunteerism

For generations, our town has relied on volunteers for nearly every heartbeat that keeps it alive, from the fire watch patrols to the flowerbeds that greet visitors along Fish Hatchery Road.

But even here, where community still matters and a handshake means something, a national crisis is quietly making its way into our mountain town: the steady decline of volunteerism and civic engagement. And unless we act decisively, the very organizations that weave Story’s social fabric could begin to fray, leaving our community a little less vibrant, and a little less “us.”

The Shrinking Volunteer Force

Across the United States, volunteer participation has been in sharp decline over the past decade. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, the national volunteer rate fell from 30% in 2017 to just 23% by 2021, a record low fueled largely by the pandemic. Though there’s been a modest recovery, climbing back to 28.3% in 2023, we’re still short of where we stood before COVID-19 reshaped civic life.

The numbers are even more sobering when you look at rural America. Communities like ours, where tradition, self-reliance, and togetherness once guaranteed a steady stream of volunteers, are now struggling to recruit new hands. National research shows that rural volunteer rates have dropped by nearly 12% since 2018, driven by outmigration of young families, aging populations, and economic pressures.

Wyoming, to its credit, still ranks among the most civically engaged states. The latest AmeriCorps data shows that nearly 39.2% of Wyoming residents volunteer regularly, putting us in the top five nationwide. Yet even with that strong showing, the cracks are beginning to show. When a small town like Story relies on just a handful of committed individuals to sustain fire protection, beautification projects, and annual events, burnout becomes a real threat.

Fading Civic Engagement Beyond Volunteering

The decline isn’t limited to volunteer hours, it’s mirrored in civic participation more broadly. Voter turnout in local elections across the U.S. dropped nearly 20% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting a growing sense of disconnection from public life. Fewer people are attending town meetings, joining local clubs, or serving on boards. For small communities, that’s not just a number, it’s a warning.

Without engaged citizens, essential organizations lose direction. Without volunteers, cherished events, like Story Days, become harder to organize. Without involvement, the spark that makes small-town life so rich begins to flicker.

Why It Matters and What We Gain When We Give

Let’s be honest: life in Story demands a lot. Between ranching, remote work, or long commutes to Sheridan, time is a rare commodity. But volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s about belonging. Studies from the Mayo Clinic show that people who volunteer experience lower stress levels, stronger social connections, and longer lifespans. Other research from the National Institute on Aging links volunteerism to improved mental health and reduced loneliness, especially in rural areas.

When you volunteer in Story, you’re not only keeping your town alive, you’re investing in your own well-being. You’re helping shape the kind of community where people show up when it counts, whether that’s fighting a fire, organizing a fundraiser, or lending a listening ear.

How You Can Get Involved

The good news is that Story still has an abundance of opportunities to step in and make a difference. Every hand, every idea, and every bit of energy counts. Here are a few of the local organizations leading the charge:

• Story Woman’s Club (est. 1919): For over a century, this group has championed education, beautification, and community service projects, from scholarships to holiday celebrations. All are welcome.

• Story Garden Club: The caretakers of Story’s natural beauty, this group plants one seed at a time and welcomes anyone who wants to make our town bloom.

• Story Lions Club: A branch of the global Lions network, they tackle local and international needs, from supporting youth programs to helping those with vision challenges.

• Story Days & Events Committee: The creative force behind our beloved summer celebration. New members and fresh ideas will ensure Story Days continues to be a highlight of community life for generations.

• Story Volunteer Fire Department: The brave men and women who protect our homes and families. Training is flexible, and every volunteer plays a vital role in keeping our town safe.

The Call to Action

Reviving volunteerism isn’t about filling empty slots, it’s about reigniting the spirit that built this town. You don’t need to commit every weekend or overhaul your life. Start small. Offer an hour. Share a skill. Attend a meeting. Invite a friend.

If you’re ready to get involved or simply want to learn more, visit StoryWyoming.org. 

The future of Story depends not on outside forces but on us, neighbors, friends, and families, choosing to stand together. Let’s make sure that when history looks back on this time, it says we didn’t let the flame go out. We rekindled it.