At its core, civic engagement involves working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities. This can take many forms, from voting in elections to participating in community service. But where does volunteering, particularly skills-based volunteering, fit into this equation? Can volunteering be considered a form of civic engagement? In short, yes–skills-based volunteering has many benefits and contributes to a more civically engaged society.
Civic engagement encompasses a broad range of activities that connect individuals to their communities. This includes everything from traditional forms of participation like voting, attending town hall meetings, and protesting, to more hands-on activities such as volunteering and advocacy. The ultimate goal of civic engagement is to foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the community, encouraging individuals to work toward the common good.
Skills-based volunteering is a specific type of volunteerism where individuals use their professional skills and expertise to support nonprofit organizations, community groups, and civic engagement projects. Unlike traditional volunteering, which might involve activities such as serving meals at a soup kitchen or cleaning up a park, skills-based volunteering leverages the unique abilities of volunteers to address complex challenges. This might include anything from providing legal advice to a nonprofit organization, helping to design a marketing campaign for a community initiative, or developing software to improve a nonprofit's operations.
But is skills-based volunteering a form of civic engagement? Absolutely. Skills-based volunteering meets the criteria of civic engagement by directly contributing to the betterment of the community. It allows individuals to use their expertise in a way that has a meaningful impact on the causes they care about, fostering a deeper connection to their community. When individuals engage in skills-based volunteering, they are not only helping a specific organization but are also contributing to the broader goal of creating a more just, equitable, and thriving society. This act of using one’s skills for the greater good is a powerful example of civic engagement in action.
The benefits of skills-based volunteering are numerous, both for the volunteers themselves and the communities they serve. For volunteers, skills-based volunteering offers a unique opportunity to apply their professional skills in a new context. This can lead to personal and professional growth, as volunteers gain new experiences, build their networks, and enhance their resumes. Skills-based volunteering can be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows individuals to make a tangible difference in their communities.
For nonprofit organizations, the benefits of skills-based volunteer programs are equally significant. Nonprofits and community organizations often operate with limited resources, and access to specialized skills can be invaluable. For example, a nonprofit might not have the budget to hire a full-time graphic designer, but a skills-based volunteer could provide the expertise needed to create a professional-quality logo, marketing materials, or website. By participating in a skills-based volunteer program, organizations can access high-quality services that they might not otherwise be able to afford, ultimately allowing them to better serve their communities.
Skills-based volunteering can help to build stronger, more resilient communities. By contributing their expertise, volunteers help to address systemic challenges, create more effective organizations, and build a more robust civic infrastructure. This not only benefits the specific organizations involved but also contributes to the overall health and vitality of the community.
There are many ways to be civically engaged, and volunteering is one of the most direct and impactful forms. When people think of civic engagement, they might first think of voting or attending town hall meetings, but volunteering is just as vital to the health of a community. Below are a few examples of how volunteering, particularly skills-based volunteering, can be a powerful act of civic engagement:
Lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income individuals or nonprofit organizations are engaging in a form of civic engagement that has a profound impact. By offering their legal expertise, these volunteers help to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Many nonprofit organizations struggle with marketing and communications due to limited budgets and resources. Marketing professionals who volunteer their time to develop marketing strategies, create content, or manage social media for these organizations are helping to amplify important causes and increase community engagement. This is a key example of how skills-based volunteering can drive civic engagement.
“As a smaller, newer organization, we often struggle to find the capacity to publicly promote our civic engagement activities consistently. With staff laser focused on program management, volunteer coordination, and partner collaboration, finding time to build out social media calendars, design graphics, and strategize effective ways to engage with our supporters can be hard to do…Our most pressing needs are probably related to promoting our volunteer opportunities and online ballot guide.”
Lindsay F.
Executive Director, The Voter Network
In today’s digital world, having strong IT infrastructure is crucial for nonprofit organizations. IT professionals who volunteer their time to develop websites, create databases, or implement software solutions are directly contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of civic engagement organizations. Skills-based volunteer software platforms can also play a role by matching IT volunteers with organizations in need.
Many nonprofits struggle with financial management due to a lack of expertise in accounting or financial planning. Accountants and financial planners who volunteer their skills to help organizations manage their budgets, create financial plans, or conduct audits are providing a vital service that ensures these organizations can continue to operate effectively and serve their communities.
Educators and trainers who volunteer their time to provide workshops or training sessions for community members are helping to build capacity within the community. Whether it's offering career counseling, teaching financial literacy, or providing training on civic engagement activities, these volunteers are empowering individuals to take an active role in their communities.
Catchafire’s skills-based volunteer program offers hundreds of virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities customized to the skills, availability, and interests of volunteers.
Individuals can support nonprofits through these types of civic engagement:
Civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy democracy and a thriving society. When individuals are civically engaged, they are more likely to vote, participate in community activities, and advocate for policies that benefit the public good. This, in turn, leads to more responsive and accountable governance, stronger communities, and a more just and equitable society. When individuals engage in civic activities, such as volunteering, they build relationships with others in their community, which can lead to greater collaboration and problem-solving. This social capital is essential for addressing complex social challenges and creating a more resilient society.
The benefits of civic engagement include increased feelings of empowerment, improved mental health, and a greater sense of purpose. When people feel connected to their communities and believe that their actions can make a difference, they are more likely to be engaged and active citizens. Acts of civic engagement contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
As individuals navigate election season and reflect on how they’d like to get involved, we encourage you to read our civic engagement guide.
“Voting is the greatest power individuals have to engage with the political process and make their voices heard. It is a right that has been hard fought for centuries, and one that must be defended against attempts to curtail people's ability to make change…Volunteers who train in voter registration and poll protection help on and before Election Day with getting people registered and ensuring they have access to free, fair, and equitable elections.”
Daphne S.
Law Clerk, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition
By embracing the power of skills-based volunteering, we can all become more civically engaged and work together to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Sign up on Catchafire today to start browsing skills-based volunteer opportunities and support civic engagement organizations.