Editing Voluntary sector (section)

==Significance to society and the economy==
The presence of a large non-profit sector is sometimes seen as an indicator of a healthy economy in local and national financial measurements.<ref>Verdier, D. (2002) ''Moving Money: Banking and Finance in the Industrialized World''. Cambridge University Press. p. 145.</ref> With a growing number of non-profit organizations focused on [[social services]], the [[Environmentalism|environment]], [[education]], and other unmet needs throughout society, the nonprofit sector is increasingly central to the health and well-being of society.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0706/S00378.htm |title=Laban: Volunteering Canterbury - 2007 Awards |date=June 20, 2007 |access-date=June 26, 2007 |website=Scoop News}}</ref> [[Peter Drucker]] suggests that the nonprofit sector provides an excellent outlet for a variety of society's labor and skills.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drucker |first=Peter |date=2007-06-26 |title=Drucker Wisdom: Leadership And The CEO |url=http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2007/06/drucker-wisdom-.html |access-date=June 26, 2007 |website=Branding Strategy Insider |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703203118/http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2007/06/drucker-wisdom-.html |archive-date= Jul 3, 2007 }}</ref> In 1976, [[Daniel Bell]] predicted that the third sector would become the predominant sector in society, as the knowledge class overcame the effects of the private sector.<ref>Bell, D. (1976) ''The Coming of Post-Industrial Society: a venture in social forecasting''. Basic Books. p. 147.</ref><ref>"Chapter 3: Progressive Era Promotes Growth (1900-1920)". Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. N.p., 2015. Web. 12 June 2017</ref>

The first two decades of the 20th century were characterized by a public zeal for social reform and social justice known as the Progressive Era. The newly founded National Association of Societies for Organizing Charity had immediate influence during that era. Its extensive field work helped organize new societies and strengthen others. Smaller cities became well-organized, with the South and Northwest particular areas of focus. To permit membership of Canadian societies, the association changed its name in 1912 to the American Association of Societies for Organizing Charity. In 1917, it became the American Association for Organizing Charity. These agencies increasingly were providing direct service to individuals and families. Pauperism, child welfare, juvenile justice, sanitation, tuberculosis, and other health issues were emergent problems for new and existing agencies. The American Red Cross fueled a nationwide fervor for social service. Founded in the United States in 1881, it was reorganized in 1905 to focus on military personnel. With this pivotal decision, the business of organizing charities quickly evolved into the business of social work.

According to a recent study by [[Johns Hopkins University]], the Netherlands has the largest third sector of 20 countries across Europe.<ref>Evers, A. and Laville, J. (2004) ''The Third Sector in Europe''. Edward Elgar Publishing. p. 150.</ref> Ireland's non-profit fundraised income formed 0.33% of Irish [[GDP]], less than the UK and US, in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Growth in Giving Accelerates for the Irish Not-for-Profit Sector in 2018 – Giving Ireland 2020 Report Launched |author= |work=2into3 |date=2020 |url= https://2into3.com/news/growth-in-giving-accelerates-for-the-irish-not-for-profit-sector-in-2018-giving-ireland-2020-report/}} [https://www.2into3.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GivingIrelandReport2020final.pdf PDF report]</ref> In Sweden, the nonprofit sector is attributed with fostering a nationwide [[social change]] towards progressive economic, social and cultural policies,<ref>Muffels, J. (2001) ''Solidarity in Health and Social Care in Europe''. Springer. p. 90.</ref> while in Italy the third sector is increasingly viewed as a primary employment source for the entire country.<ref>Antonelli, G. and De Liso, N. (2004) ''European Economic Integration and Italian Labour Policies''. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 228.</ref>

In the United States, approximately 10% of GDP is attributable to the third sector. Donating to private religious organizations remains the most popular American cause, and all religious organizations are entirely privately funded because the government is limited from establishing or prohibiting a religion under the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]].<ref>Christopher Eaton Gunn ''Third-sector Development: Making Up for the Market'' (Cornell University Press, 2004) 0801488818, 9780801488818 [https://books.google.com/books?id=1tDYuib1Oz0C Partially Accessible Copy on Google Books] (accessed July 6, 2009 on Google Book Search)</ref>