How about a pat on the back for all Vermonters who volunteer. The state came in ninth in the percentage of the population that participates in volunteer efforts according to a study recently conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, said the Burlington Free Press. Utah ranked the highest; New York the lowest. Vermont’s percentage was 35.6 compared to the national average of 26.4. Vermont teens are particularly generous with their time. “We have certainly seen the generosity of this community in giving of their volunteer time,” said Holly Reed, director of the United Way of Chittenden County’s volunteer center. The national study indicated the recession has not hurt volunteerism which has remained steady between 2007 and 2008. So join the ranks of volunteers and give yourself a pat on the back.