Are we still committed to the common good?
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Hoosier hospitality is at the heart of our state’s identity. It’s that particular brand of helpfulness that makes Indiana unique. Indy, where our organization is based, has a rich history of civic engagement and investment in the common good. We pride ourselves on the ability to bring volunteers together to make big things happen, not just for the benefit of a few but for the good of many.
Recent studies, however, show that rates of volunteerism and civic engagement are down nationwide and Indiana nonprofits are struggling as a result. An analysis by AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau found Indiana’s volunteering rate has declined steadily since 2017, reaching a low in 2021 with just 28% of respondents indicating they had volunteered formally or informally that year. The nationwide decline in formal volunteering marks the largest change since the organizations began tracking this data in 2002.
The volunteer shortage is compounded by the increased demand for services that many nonprofits are experiencing in the post-pandemic era.
Many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to run programs, raise funds, serve the community and boost awareness, supplementing the work of paid staff and allowing organizations to have a bigger impact. Volunteers serve on boards, plan events and lead campaigns. Volunteers can be powerful ambassadors for a nonprofit and strengthen ties throughout the community. But what happens when an organization struggles to engage and retain a dedicated volunteer base? Is our brand of Hoosier hospitality – always quick to jump in to help with a smile – in trouble? Is our ability to serve the common good compromised?
Of course, it’s a complex question. Multiple factors have contributed to a decline in formal volunteering and organizations will need actionable strategies to attract and retain volunteers.
People are more mission-driven than ever before. Over the past few years, many people have gained clarity about what is most important to them. Organizations must clearly define and communicate their mission and ensure volunteer opportunities tie in not just to the organization’s work, but to the community’s needs.
People want flexibility and choices. In this new age of remote work, flexible schedules and hybrid environments, volunteers want options in the ways they contribute. Offering volunteer opportunities with different time commitments and levels of physical effort can help broaden a volunteer base. For example, different stages of life create different levels of ability and availability for volunteers. Let’s not treat all volunteers like they are interchangeable. Clear “job descriptions” for each role can help potential volunteers choose the best fit so the expectations of organizations and volunteers are in alignment.
People are engaging in their communities in hyperlocal ways. Some folks volunteer to build social and professional networks, which large organizations are great at providing. But others want to invest time in their own neighborhood and in ways that may not connect with a formal organization. How do we better recognize and support that kind of volunteerism?
People are unsure where to start. Here’s where Leadership Indianapolis can help. Whether you’re new to the Hoosier state or looking for ways to deepen your connection, we offer a broad range of programs and events to educate, inspire, connect and mobilize leaders to serve and strengthen our communities. These programs include:
- LEAD – a multi-session program in April where participants hone their collaborative leadership skills to become more effective community leaders.
- Opportunity Indianapolis – a crash course on the issues facing the greater Indianapolis community and introductions to some of the people working on them.
- Get on Board – this is the perfect event for individuals seeking to become more engaged in the greater Indianapolis community, with more than 100 nonprofit organizations sharing opportunities for board and volunteer involvement.
- Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series – The SKL Series® expands the ranks of community leaders by motivating and connecting class members to address the needs of central Indiana.
Volunteerism, civic engagement and doing for others are at the core of Indiana’s culture, and there is no shortage of worthy organizations doing incredible work across the state. During an election year that is sure to be contentious, let’s make this the year of getting more involved, sharing more of our time and talents and recommitting to the common good.