Hawaii's diverse culture and residents' willingness to help others are reflected in the rate of volunteers joining the Peace Corps.

So says Kim Biggs, president of a Hawaii group of Peace Corps veterans.

Hawaii showed the nation's highest growth in the volunteerism rate in the international volunteer service organization, new figures show. Thirty-six volunteers from Hawaii joined the Peace Corps in fiscal year 2008, according to the organization.

Last year, 21 volunteers from Hawaii joined the organization, and 10 the year before.

“;Hawaii's growth is really outstanding,”; said Nathan Sargent, spokesman for the Peace Corps' San Francisco regional office.

Rosemary Casey, the University of Hawaii's Peace Corps representative, said a surge in volunteerism nationwide occurred after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “;People see it as an opportunity to serve and give back to their country and to the world with the two years' commitment,”; she said.

Biggs, president of the Hawaii Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, attributes the increasing number of volunteers to Casey's work on making the organization more visible.

“;It's a real asset to us that we have such a strong community in Hawaii,”; Sargent said.

According to the organization's Web site, volunteers serve in 76 countries in areas that include education, youth outreach, community development and the environment. Potential volunteers must be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and willing to commit to three months of training and 24 months of service.

Biggs believes the influx of volunteers is due to the state's multicultural society.

“;People here are very sensitive to the differences and needs of others,”; she said.

The Peace Corps is currently looking for teachers to teach university-level English and literature in China. Applicants must have at least six months' teaching experience and a master's or bachelor's degree in secondary education. The China program begins in June. For more information, call (800) 424-8580.