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A Look at Some Key Volunteer Trends in the US

Volunteers are critical to the social well-being of communities, providing vital assistance to those in need and helping nonprofit organizations achieve their goals. By offering their time and energy to important causes, individuals also glean benefits such as professional skill development and personal fulfillment. According to AmeriCorps' Volunteering and Civic Life in America report, more than 75.7 million people formally volunteered in the United States in 2023.

The formal volunteering rate in the US grew by 5.1 percent from 2022 and more than 22 percent from 2021, marking the most substantial expansion since 2002, when AmeriCorps began partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to compile these statistics. The combined economic value of the 4.99 billion hours of service contributed by formal volunteers in 2023 was $167.2 billion. The states with the highest volunteering rates were Utah (46.6 percent), Vermont (40.5 percent), Minnesota (40.3 percent), and Nebraska (40.3 percent).

Coinciding with the recent rise in formal volunteer rates are changes to the ways in which people dedicate their time to organizations. Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are increasingly leaning toward short-term assignments and virtual engagements, the latter of which became much more common during the pandemic. Informal giving, which includes helping neighbors or friends with errands or babysitting, has also become a more recognized form of volunteering.

Verena Gruber and Jonathan Deschenes, in the Journal of Marketing, note that modern volunteers prioritize "flexibility and opportunity." Many prefer short-term tasks that align with their skills and schedules, rather than fixed-hour commitments. Platforms like Catchafire support this shift by matching people to projects based on time and expertise. In November 2024 alone, it facilitated over 14,000 volunteer engagements, up from 2,700 just four years earlier.

Virtual volunteering, meanwhile, has become so prevalent that AmeriCorps now includes it in its biennial Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. More than 13.4 million of the 75.7 million people who volunteered in 2023 participated in virtual or hybrid volunteer activities. They were also more likely to contribute more volunteer hours, averaging 95 hours of service compared to 64 hours for those who solely performed in-person volunteering.

AmeriCorps also tracked informal giving in its most recent report, noting that 54 percent of Americans (around 137.5 million adults 16 and older) helped their neighbors with various tasks in 2023. Utah also led the country in informal volunteer rates at 68.2 percent, while Montana (68 percent), Colorado (67.4 percent), Vermont (65.1 percent), and Delaware (64.8 percent) rounded out the top five states. Nonprofits, especially those that are entirely volunteer-run, may need to find more creative ways to engage this larger share of informal volunteers.

Corporate America is also embracing volunteerism as part of employee engagement. Many companies now recognize the benefits of community involvement for team-building and job satisfaction. Forty percent of Fortune 500 firms offer volunteer grant programs, donating money to nonprofits based on employee service. More than 50 percent of businesses, meanwhile, offer their employees paid volunteer time off, usually anywhere from eight to 40 hours per year.

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Hurricane Risk Mitigation Measures

According to Statista, between 2011 and 2023, 23 hurricanes made landfall in the United States. This figure emphasizes the need for American households in regions prone to hurricanes to adopt more deliberate strategies to mitigate the destructive impact of hurricanes.

Wind strength, storm surge, and heavy rainfall are some of the most important risk factors for hurricane incidents, so any mitigation strategy must address these risks. Sustained and prolonged wind strength poses risks because it can result in structural damage to properties, destroy powerlines, and uproot trees. Storm surges result in rising ocean levels, leading to overwhelming flooding and coast erosion, destroying lives and properties. Hurricanes come with heavy rainfall, often resulting in landslides, building collapse, flooding, and spreading waterborne diseases.

To reduce the effect of these risks, communities should adopt structural and non-structural strategies. Adopting strict building codes and standards is a structural strategy that the government can adopt to reduce the risks associated with hurricanes. They can stipulate specific construction and design requirements to withstand torrential rainfall, flooring, and high wind. Specifically, the building codes and standards might require wind-resistant construction, flood-resistant design, and retrofitting.

Hurricane-prone regions should adopt wind-resistant construction. This type of construction involves substantial foundations, reinforced roofs, and impact-resistant windows. Flood-resistant designs will require elevated homes and buildings above the floor level. This measure also requires that the foundations be firm and built with flood-resistant materials that will remain durable. Furthermore, old buildings require retrofitting with modern and more durable materials. For instance, property owners can add flood barriers, storm shutters, and wind-resistant roofing to old buildings.

Preparedness is critical in reducing the human and economic impact of hurricanes. A coordinated emergency response plan can save lives and ensure quicker recovery. Communities should establish clear evacuation routes and shelters, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those in flood-prone areas. Early warning systems, powered by advanced meteorological technology, provide accurate forecasts, allowing communities to take timely action. Public education campaigns inform people about hurricane risks, safety protocols, and evacuation procedures, ensuring they remain prepared ahead of the storm.

Evacuation strategies should incorporate live weather data, enabling authorities to adjust routes and shelter locations as conditions change. Transportation accessibility should be a priority, with buses and community transport provided to ensure everyone can evacuate safely, including those without private vehicles.

In addition to emergency planning, safeguarding coastal areas is crucial to mitigate the destructive effects of hurricanes, such as storm surges and flooding. Coastal protection measures like seawalls, dikes, and levees can prevent seawater from encroaching on land, particularly in low-lying regions. Restoration of mangrove forests, which act as natural barriers against storms and coastal erosion, is also vital for enhancing resilience. Furthermore, beach nourishment—replenishing sand on eroded beaches—helps buffer against storm surges and reduces coastal damage, offering a sustainable approach to protecting vulnerable areas.

Innovative early warning systems are key to minimizing the impact of severe weather events. Localized alert technologies target residents in specific at-risk areas, ensuring timely notifications. Multi-channel communication strategies—using text messages, radio broadcasts, social media, and siren help warnings reach the broadest possible audience. Also, storm surge maps serve as visual tools to illustrate projected surge levels, helping communities better understand potential risks and prepare accordingly.

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Hurricane Readiness - How to Be Safe

Hurricanes (tropical cyclones) threaten the North Atlantic and Pacific regions, with over 60 documented occurrences between 2020 and 2022. These devastating events cause massive destruction, deaths, and damages, making preparedness crucial to minimizing their impact.

Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility, requiring individual and national efforts to be implemented well before potential storms. Residents of flood-prone areas are particularly vulnerable, but even those in adjacent safe zones may feel the impact of hurricane-induced flooding. Identifying structural weaknesses in homes (such as loose or unstable elements) and addressing inadequate drainage systems minimizes risk.

Authorities educate at-risk communities on interpreting forecast information from reliable sources. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service forecast wind speed, projected path, and anticipated rainfall. A Hurricane Watch, for example, signals the possibility of an occurrence in the warning area. Residents must heed this warning from authorities regardless of the storm's scale.

Authorities strongly recommend having an evacuation plan. Assembling disaster supplies, including non-perishable food, medicine, and essentials, is vital. Hurricanes can disrupt essential services like phone, electricity, and internet, so have flashlights, batteries, portable charges, and a radio in a go-bag. Residents should identify a nearby safe location - a strong building with windowless rooms (preferably on the lowest level) - for shelter. In flood-prone areas, higher grounds work.

When the storm threatens, secure important car documents in a waterproof bag, document the vehicle's interior and exterior with photographs (for insurance purposes), remove valuables, and park in a safe location. Protect the home by closing the windows, bringing outdoor furniture/items indoors, and using surge protectors to prevent electrical damage to devices and appliances. Determine pet accommodations in advance, as many emergency shelters have restrictions. Most importantly, prioritize assisting elderly and vulnerable neighbors with gathering supplies and evacuating if necessary.

If there is an evacuation order, follow designated routes immediately; shortcuts may be blocked and dangerous. Delaying evacuation until the hurricane intensifies can lead to being trapped by floods, fallen trees, and debris, endangering lives. Anticipate potential traffic congestion as the storm nears and communicate your plans and whereabouts to family members, friends, and out-of-town contacts to ease their concerns. Remaining calm and cooperative throughout evacuation makes the process go smoothly.

Whether you've evacuated or are forced to stay home when a hurricane occurs, monitor weather forecasts and listen to radio alerts to get updates and directions from authorities. If it floods, move to a higher ground immediately instead of driving through its waters. Using generators indoors is dangerous, as most run on fuel, which produces carbon monoxide (CO). Operating generators at least 20 feet away from any structure and utilizing CO detectors, especially in bedrooms, ensures this colorless, odorless gas does not accumulate to dangerous levels and cause death.

After the hurricane passes, do not rush to go back home. Wait until authorities declare the situation safe. Avoid floodwater and down wires because they pose the risk of illness and electrocution. Also, prioritize health and well-being by wearing appropriate clothes, staying hydrated, and watching out for heat stress. Check out on the neighbors to ensure they are safe and well. When cleaning up, wear protective gear, disinfect affected areas, and be careful when handling debris.

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Essential Carpentry Skills Every DIY Enthusiast Should Master

Carpentry has become a timeless skill that blends creativity with practicality. It is an ideal area of focus for any DIY enthusiast. The craft begins with mastering accurate measurement and marking.

Accurate proportions are crucial to success in making a shelf or a piece of furniture. Confidently using tape measures and carpenter's squares aligns components, eliminating mistakes and conserving resources.

Next, establish a strong foundation in cutting and shaping wood. Whether using a handsaw for a detailed cut or a circular saw for larger pieces, understanding how to control these tools allows for clean, accurate results. Each cut becomes a crucial element of your project, affecting how components fit together and how the finished piece holds up over time. Getting comfortable with saws and their varying functions can help you take on increasingly complex projects.

Joinery stands out as one of the most critical techniques in carpentry, as it determines the strength and durability of your creations. Understanding methods such as mortise and tenon joints dovetails, or even basic butt joints equip you to construct pieces that look not only good but also last for years. Each method has its application, and learning to choose the right one for a particular task adds functionality and craftsmanship to your work.

Then, sanding and surface preparation takes center stage. A well-sanded surface feels smoother and evenly absorbs paint or stains, elevating the overall appearance. Beyond aesthetics, proper sanding and finishing protect against wear and tear, ensuring your work stands the test of time. Becoming adept at this step transforms an essential piece into something polished and professional.

Proficiency with manual and powered tools forms the backbone of successful carpentry. You can do simple things if you know how to use a hammer, knife, and chisel. Power equipment like drills, jigsaws, and planers lets you handle more complex tasks. Maintaining an effective and accident-free workplace requires understanding these tools and safety procedures.

Another handy skill is the ability to repair furniture. Stabilizing a wobbly chair or filling scratches on a wooden surface extends the life of your belongings and enhances your problem-solving skills. These minor but impactful fixes help you maintain your home's quality and functionality, saving money and effort over time.

Design and planning play a significant role in carpentry, requiring you to think critically about your approach before picking up any tools. Sketching a blueprint or visualizing the dimensions of your project prevents potential setbacks and ensures you work efficiently. This step is less about artistic ability and more about clarity in execution, as a clear plan often leads to better outcomes.

A deeper understanding of materials adds another layer to your carpentry expertise. Different woods, from softwoods like pine to hardwoods like oak, bring unique qualities to a project. Knowing which type to select based on strength, grain, and finish helps you create pieces suited to their intended purpose. This awareness improves your results and elevates your appreciation for the craft.

Finally, patience and attention to detail often determine the quality of your work more than any tool or technique. If you take your time and carefully work on every cut, joint, and finish, you will improve at carpentry. Learning from and adapting to mistakes enables skill progress. This outlook converts even simple projects into improved opportunities.

Rather than seeing carpentry as a rigid set of tasks, the craft evolves, combining practical knowledge and personal expression. The skills you acquire don't just help you complete projects but also allow you to bring your vision to life. Each piece you create reflects your style and dedication, turning your DIY pursuits into a significant experience.

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Carpentry Workshop Safety Tips

An average carpentry workshop is usually full of activities, including cutting, filing, and assembling wood pieces. If proper safety measures are not taken, these activities might prove hazardous to people within the workshop. So, there are safety tips and protection measures everyone should adhere to before and while in a carpentry workshop.

One of the first safety measures to take before entering a carpentry workshop is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Most PPEs for carpentry work comprise hearing protection, gloves, dust masks and respirators, steel-tooled boots, and safety goggles.

Hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs usually protects people in the workshop from the damage that might result from too much exposure to tools within the workshop. Also, cut-resistant gloves protect the arms from cuts that might arise from saws or any form of rotating machinery.

Dust masks and respirators usually protect the lungs from the harmful effects of particles like asbestos or wood shavings. It also protects the lungs from fumes from workshop machinery. Steel-tooled boots are necessary to protect the feet against falling objects or sharp tools, while safety goggles protect the eyes from tiny particles that might be hazardous to the eyes.

Another important aspect of safety in the carpentry workshop is ensuring that carpentry machinery and tools do not cause severe injuries. To prevent severe injuries, carpentry workshops should have blade guards on saws and other sharp tools to prevent any form of harmful accidental contact.

For added saftey there should be a power-off policy in the workshop. This requires that all the machinery is unplugged and turned off when it is not in use. All machinery users must be given adequate training to ensure their safety while using machinery. Machines that are not well maintained have a higher tendency to pose health hazards. So, it is important to inspect and service tools and machinery routinely.

Woodworking materials and solvents can easily catch fire, so fire safety should always be a top priority. To keep things safe, store flammable items in fire-resistant cabinets, and make sure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are easy to find and accessible to everyone. Also, take time to train your team on how to use them properly.

Electrical safety is also important. Regularly check power cords for wear and tear and replace any that are damaged. Avoid using tools with wet hands or in damp spots to reduce the risk of electric shocks. Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for your outlets is another smart move to protect against electrical hazards.

Harmful particles in the air pose critical threats to people working in the carpentry workshop. To keep the air clean and safe, install good ventilation systems to clear out dust and fumes. Dust collection systems or vacuum attachments for your power tools are also a big help. Additionally, regularly sweeping and cleaning the workshop can go a long way in keeping dust under control.

The wrong use of tools is one of the leading causes of injuries in a carpentry workshop. You should always pick the right tool for the job to prevent strain or mishaps. Before using any tool, check it for damage or defects. Remember to secure your materials with clamps or vises—this keeps your hands out of harm’s way and makes the work safer and more precise.

#Ralph Byer

Financial planning is vital for everyone, no matter their income level. If you’re serious about building wealth, you must start thinking…

Carpentry and woodworking involve several intricate processes and procedures that facilitate the creation of bespoke and custom carpentry pi

Ralph Byer is a financial advisor with nearly 40 years of professional experience. Since 1982, he has served as managing director and wealth

https://ralph-byer.mystrikingly.com/blog/top-reasons-to-hire-a-professional-financial-advisor

Fly Fishing Gear Maintenance and Care

There is a wide range of fly fishing gear, and each requires unique care to keep it performing at its best. Understanding the specific care and maintenance tips for each piece of gear is important for ensuring its longevity and performance.

The first piece of essential gear is a fly reel. After a fishing session, rinse your reel with warm water, ensuring the drag is tightened to keep water out. Prevent moisture buildup to avoid reel damage. For routine cleaning, wash the spool with water and mild soap. Remove the line for easier cleaning. Use a brush for stubborn dirt. Apply reel oil for smooth operation.

It is also important to care for your waders properly. Waders often don’t get the attention they deserve when it comes to maintenance. After fishing, hang your waders to dry in a cool and dry spot, away from sunlight. Once they are dry, store them loosely in a cool, dark place to prevent pinholes from forming over time.

Finally, you need to care for your fly rod. Fortunately, fly rods are simple to maintain. Avoid rough handling, store them in a tube, and keep them dry. During the off-season, check for guide and wrap damage, sending it in for repairs if needed. Also, ensure the rod pieces fit properly at the ferrules, applying wax if necessary.

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Joists and Rafters - Supporting Roof and Floor in Carpentry

The essentials of carpentry involved in building homes include weight-bearing elements such as rafters and joists. These are designed to hold up the ceiling, roof, and floor.

Rafters are incorporated into roof design and have a certain degree of pitch or slope toward the ground. They are essential with pitched roofs and extend from the roof apex to its lowest edge, typically where the gutters run. These configurations often allow for attics and storage space under the planks, with insulation that fits tightly between each rafter.

By contrast, joists are installed horizontally and are essential for structural support for floors and ceilings. They are evenly spaced between a pair of weight-bearing vertical walls.

Roof joists replace rafters with non (or mildly) sloped roofs. The parallel planks of wood are set at specific distances optimized for load bearing. They also support the drywall integrated within the ceiling. With the sloped roof, joists may still deliver horizontal support that connects the rafters and prevents their separation over time under the roof’s weight. When used on a floor, joists act as a connection point between the subfloor and the masonry foundation and also deliver horizontal support for the floor coverings and subfloor.

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Some Basic Woodturning Tools

Woodturning, a form of woodwork, involves crafting objects from spinning wood using handheld tools. The two primary techniques in woodturning are spindle and faceplate techniques, which require various essential tools, such as the roughing gouge.

Tthe roughing gouge remains essential for spindle and faceplate woodturning techniques. As its name implies, the roughing gouge eliminates debris and excess material from rough wood. Given its critical role, investing in a durable, high-quality roughing gouge is advisable.

The spindle gouge is another indispensable tool for woodturning, particularly for intricate and precise work. However, using the spindle gouge requires skill, as its sharp angle can make it challenging to control, especially at high speeds.

Additionally, the skew chisel is vital for woodturning, facilitating smooth transitions between shapes within a piece and creating visually appealing v-grooves. It is also effective for refining wood surfaces.

Scrapers are also essential tools for woodturning. These finishing tools are crucial for achieving a smooth finish on the woodwork. Scrapers are useful for removing wood imperfections like dents, dings, and more. They often come in handy towards the end of the woodturning project.

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Some Essential Carpentry Skills

Carpenters work with wood in residential and industrial settings. Their duties include building, installing, and repairing structures, fixtures, and frameworks. Successful carpenters possess various essential skills, such as mapping and measurement.

Accurate measurement skills enable carpenters to craft structurally sound and visually pleasing products, such as furniture. Carpenters rely on their mapping and measurement abilities to deliver furniture and picture frames with precise dimensions.

Next, carpenters must master the art of straight cuts. Exceptional cutting skills allow professionals to create clean and precise cuts in wood. They use various tools, including miter saws, power saws, and handsaws, but carpenters must learn to wield them effectively to achieve the desired results.

Lastly, carpenters benefit from mastering the overlooked skill of nail hammering. Nearly every aspect of carpentry, from framing walls to building decks, requires proficient nail-hammering abilities. Professionals must drive nails into the wood without compromising its shape or structure, ensuring sturdy and durable constructions.

#Ralph Byer

How Global Events And Geopolitics Affect the Stock Market

Global events and geopolitics create ripples and affect how investors and corporations react. Since both impact the stock market, it's essential to understand the relationship dynamics.

Geopolitical tensions and global events introduce uncertainty into financial markets. The threat of conflicts, trade disputes, or political instability can trigger investor anxiety, leading to increased market volatility. The tension causes investors to become more risk-averse, causing stock prices to fluctuate.

Additionally, global events affect investor risk assessment, including pandemics, economic crises, and geopolitics. Investors carefully scrutinize international developments to gauge potential risks. For instance, escalating geopolitical tensions between major economies can raise concerns about global economic stability, impacting stock prices.

Trade is another critical area where the two realms intersect. Trade disputes between nations can result in tariffs and trade barriers, affecting multinational corporations and altering stock prices. This is especially true for industries heavily reliant on international trade.

Finally, global events and geopolitics affect energy and commodity prices. Crises in oil-producing regions can disturb energy prices, impacting companies in the energy sector. Changes in commodity prices also have a snowball effect on various industries that influence stock market performance.

#Ralph Byer

Endurance Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, often called Le Mans, remains a challenging motorsport event held every June at the Sarthe road-racing circuit near Le Mans, France. It is a legendary endurance race that has acted as a benchmark of automotive excellence since its introduction in 1923.

Le Mans challenges drivers and machines to their limits as they navigate an 8.5-mile circuit for a full day and night. Since 1928, the winner has covered the most distance within the 24-hour timeframe. The unique format emphasizes reliability, teamwork, and strategy, as competitors aim to outlast their rivals.

The race has had iconic moments over the decades, making it a captivating spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts. To date, it continues to attract motorsport manufacturers and drivers globally, earning its place at the pinnacle of endurance racing.

For almost a century, Le Mans has seen many automobile advancements and technologies. It has become a laboratory for cleaner combustion, hydrogen-hybrid fuels, and the testing ground for novel race car designs, making it a hallmark of automotive progress.

#Ralph Byer

Financing Options for Homebuyers

Plantation, Florida, resident Ralph Byer is a managing director at Merrill Lynch and a highly accomplished financial advisor. He has received recognition as one of Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors and Forbes Best in State Financial Advisors in 2018. Ralph Byer, a wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, assists clients seeking custom lending and home financing services.

Home financing is highly popular in the United States, with statistics indicating that lenders in this sector generated over $2.5 trillion in mortgage debts in 2019. With this sector growing steadily, lenders are expanding their financing options, providing borrowers with increased flexibility.

A prevalent home financing choice is conventional mortgages, which private lenders back. Conventional loаns are conforming (i.e., adhering to the Federal Housing Finance Agency standards) or non-conforming. With a small downpayment of 3–5 percent, depending on whether an individual is a first-time homebuyer or already a homeowner, they can qualify for conventional loans.

Another homebuyer financing alternative is government-sponsored mortgages, which agencies like the Veterans Affairs (VA) provide. VA loans, for example, are popular due to their reduced interest rates and absence of upfront payment. On the other hand, borrowers favor the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for their lenient credit score and low upfront payment prerequisites.

Homebuyers can also finance their home purchase with jumbo loans, surpassing the government-sponsored enterprises' conforming loan limits of $726,200. Jumbo loans enable the financing of more expensive homes and are often necessary in locations with high home values. However, unlike other mortgage options, they have high down payment and credit score requirements.

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United Way Praises the Reintroduction of HELP Act in US Congress

Financial advisor and wealth manager Ralph Byer serves as a managing director and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch. His team at the Byer Wealth Management Group provides customized solutions to its clients. To give back to the community, Ralph Byer supports United Way.

United Way is a worldwide network of community leaders, partners, donors, and volunteers who pooled their resources together to deal with the root causes of many social issues in many communities worldwide and positively impact these communities. It praised some members of the US House of Representatives and US Senate for reintroducing the “Human-services Emergency Logistic Program Act of 2023” or the HELP Act.

United Way has publicly supported the proposed bipartisan and bicameral legislation. Once the bill becomes law, it will expand access to and coordination of the 211 and 988 services. These services provide information and referrals nationwide for many human and social services needs, such as homelessness and mental health emergencies.

The 211 was designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2020 as a dedicated 24/7 helpline phone number. It is available throughout the US. The public can use 211 for critical services such as employment, childcare, healthcare, finding housing, and financial assistance. It also provides important information during and after disasters, such as available shelters, evacuation routes, and access to food, water, and other basic needs.

The 988 was designated by the US Congress in 2020 as a dedicated suicide and crisis helpline. It is supervised by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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