Americans have experienced many significant events in the past year, namely, the excitement of the presidential election, which stimulated civic participation, and the economic recession, which is forcing changes in American’s daily lives and circumstances.

With these changes, it is no surprise that some Americans say they are changing the way they help others. Our survey does not measure rates of volunteering or active citizenship in a way that permits precise estimates of trends over time—the Census Current Population Supplement is a better vehicle for that. But we asked Americans their perception of the effect of the recession on their own and their neighbors’ engagement. The responses suggest that many are less able to volunteer, but are refocusing their compassion toward others in ways that are much closer to home and respond to urgent needs during this time of economic hardship.