Montana campuses give a lot back

Montanans don’t typically ask for much, but they give a whole lot back.

In a study released in April, the Corporation for National and Community Service reported that Montana ranks seventh among the 50 states in its citizen volunteer rate. While 27 percent of Americans regularly volunteer, an impressive 38 percent of Montanans habitually donate their time to help causes across the state.

Montana’s volunteer rate has increased more than 8 percent since 1989. The report indicates that last year Montanans averaged more than 51 volunteer hours per person, which ranks fifth in the nation.

By Dean McGovern. Dean is executive director of the Montana Campus Compact http://www.mtcompact.org, a statewide higher education consortium comprising 19 of Montana’s public, private, two-year, four-year, tribal and community colleges and universities.

Full Opinion: http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/08/17/opinion/opinion6.txt