AARP Hearing Center
Background
Civic engagement can take many forms. These include individual volunteerism, organizational development and leadership, public service, and electoral participation. A person’s level of engagement in society, their networks and associations, and the character of their community can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Civic engagement also can help address critical challenges facing our nation, such as advancing diversity and racial equity and bridging serious social and partisan divides. As such, it has never been more relevant or important.
One key form of civic engagement is volunteering. Between September 2022 and 2023, more than 75.7 million people—about 28 percent of Americans—reported they had volunteered for a service or organization. These people provide nearly five billion hours of service. Moreover, their work has an estimated value of $167 billion. As a result of their service, volunteers can experience increased engagement, happiness, and energy. Volunteering can also lead to decreased stress. In addition, it represents an opportunity for intergenerational cooperation (see also Intergenerational Cooperation).
Aside from adequate financing, two barriers prevent people from taking full advantage of volunteering. First, many people have trouble identifying the best opportunities. Second, older volunteers have skills and education levels that can robustly contribute to nonprofits. However, some nonprofits ask them to perform simple tasks rather than tapping into their vast expertise.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE: Policy
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE: Policy
Civic engagement
Communities should promote civic engagement among all residents, including older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes. Communities should:
- implement an inclusive and accessible civic engagement process,
- foster open communication and seek input from a wide range of voices,
- provide leadership opportunities to empower residents to shape their communities.
Volunteerism
Policymakers should expand opportunities for people to volunteer in their communities. This includes older adults and people with disabilities. Volunteers should come from culturally diverse communities.
State governments should authorize state service commissions to expand service opportunities. These opportunities would help address community challenges, provide training, and build capacity in the volunteer sector.
Policymakers should allocate sufficient funds and other resources to maximize volunteer service. Service should be promoted as a solution to community needs.