Benjamin Franklin instilled the idea of volunteering in the U.S. with the first volunteer fire department. Today, volunteering remains a way for citizens to take part in democracy. This title in the Being an Active Citizen series (5 titles) explains how volunteers give time, skills, and sometimes money and items to people who need help. With an emphasis on community involvement, it also tells how volunteers identify problems, ask questions, create solutions, and work together to improve lives. The final chapter asks readers to consider ways they can volunteer, offering suggestions regarding animal shelters, parks, food pantries, schools, hospitals, and senior centers. Large photos of adults and children volunteering in various settings reinforce these concepts. Young people will find inspiration; adults will welcome the service activities away from social media.