Today, Explained
Why volunteering is worth it
Nov 27, 2024
Rachel Cohen, a Vox journalist skilled in addressing social issues, shares her personal volunteering journey. Robert Putnam, a retired Harvard professor and author of 'Bowling Alone,' discusses the decline of social connections in America. Together, they explore how individual volunteer efforts, no matter how small, combat systemic problems and enhance community bonds. They delve into the shift in attitudes towards volunteering among younger generations and highlight the life-enhancing benefits of social engagement, emphasizing its critical role in combating loneliness.
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Quick takeaways
- Volunteering, despite feeling insignificant in the face of systemic problems, fosters personal connections and enhances individual well-being and happiness.
- Understanding the decline in civic engagement necessitates organizations to emphasize volunteering's personal value and societal impact to motivate participation.
Deep dives
The Shift in Perspective on Volunteering
Initially, volunteering felt pointless to Rachel Cohen, who believed that individual efforts would not bring about significant change in the face of systemic issues. Influenced by prominent discussions around climate change and social movements, she dismissed the impact of volunteering, thinking it was a distraction from necessary larger-scale reforms. This mindset resonated with many of her peers, particularly her generation and Gen Z, leading to a decline in volunteering participation among young people. However, after introspection and realizing the personal disconnect from her community, Rachel changed her outlook, recognizing the importance of contributing to society, no matter how small those contributions may seem.
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