A Healthy Dose of Community Engagement is Good for Us All
It’s no secret that being active in your community is a good thing. Whether you’re just walking the neighbor’s dog when they’re out of town or spending your retirement volunteering multiple times per week, community engagement feels good and helps make your little part of Minnesota a better place.
According to AmeriCorps and U.S. Census Bureau data, in 2023 more than 40% of Minnesotans participated in formal volunteering, ranking third nationally against a 28% average. Our state has long been near the top of the list when it comes to community engagement, and informal volunteering soared during Operation Metro Surge this winter.
Volunteering, formally or informally, is more than just a good deed. Mayo Clinic shares three distinct health benefits of volunteering that can be an extra push to get you out the door if you’re not sure where to start. Volunteering improves physical and mental health; provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills; and nurtures new and existing relationships. When you’re moving around, thinking critically, learning something new, and feeding relationships with others, you’re boosting life satisfaction and self-esteem while positively impacting a cause or community.
For older Minnesotans in particular (MN Compass reports that in the next decade, more than one-fifth of Minnesotans will be an older adult), these health benefits are the cherry on top of what can already be a fun and engaging way to spend your time.
As nonprofits in Minnesota face increasing demand for services in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, rising cost of living crises, and uncertain funding, tapping into Minnesotan’s appetite for volunteerism can be one way to acknowledge new challenges.
When you think of volunteering at your organization, you might think of serving meals, partnering with individuals, or showing up for a weekly task. Interestingly, the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement suggests that shorter-term and one-off volunteer opportunities are trending. Consider all the creative ways your nonprofit might engage a volunteer. Maybe there’s a retired event planner who would like to spend two months helping plan your next gala; maybe a CPA can help the people you serve learn financial literacy during tax season; maybe a cake decorator would donate treats for your next fundraising event.
Community engagement is good for us all, and our communities benefit from people who are willing to get creative and share time and talents.