Civic Engagement = Economic Survival and Success
Blog Feature: Yesenia Rojas
Civic richness directly affects economic stasis. Communities that encourage civic responsibility and engagement have achieved higher employment rates and a boost in economic performance overall.
In 2011, a study on economic resilience and civic engagement showed how different aspects of a community, including communal morale, infrastructure, and job opportunities were heavily affected by healthy civic involvement. After close examination, the NCoC (National Conference on Citizenship) discovered that simple measures, such as attending town/city meetings, registering to vote, voting, and volunteering contribute to solid social solidity in any community.
A new study found that areas with a stronger non-profit presence resulted in an environment where civic participation is weaved into the community fabric. These areas proved to be more resilient during some of the most frightening economic periods in American history, like the Great Depression.
“Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment”, a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service released in June 2013, provided strong evidence regarding the correlation between volunteering and employment. The remarkable truth is volunteering directly impacted the job opportunities of various applicants. A person’s age, ethnicity, gender, specific job market conditions or geographical area were not limiting or negatively associated with the increased employment rate.
Civic engagement develops skills that employers seek: desirable worth ethic, a genuine interest in assigned tasks and good teambuilding skills. With experience in the non-profit sector, people are more encouraged to seek employment and are more likely to get the jobs they want.
· The Unemployed: Volunteer while looking for work to strengthen interpersonal skills, build your resume and gain experience working with different organizations. To find volunteer opportunities in your area visit Serve.gov or apply to our Connect for Good Program.
· The Employers (Non-Profits): Recruiting should be ideally reserved for those who will benefit the most from volunteering– out of work individuals, specifically those who hold only a high school degree or who live in unpopulated rural areas. To connect with volunteers, join our Connect for Good program as a partner.
Volunteering has also proven to increase individual confidence and awareness; civic participation in turn increases trust in other people. This year, the CNCS report showed that innovations in business and economies were directly related to trustworthy employees. And so investments (financial, time) and community promotions grew exponentially because of the engagement in community programs. Recruitment in civic organizations will most definitely serve two purposeful outcomes: numerous improvements to communities and improved employment outcomes for its members.
The economic stability and social longevity of our communities are a direct result of their civic involvement—these are the answers to a thriving, profitable and cohesive future.
