We are seeing alarming trends in disengagement, as reflected in the Indiana Civic Health Index. Whether it’s a decline in attending public meetings or a decrease in discussing local issues with neighbors, our civic fabric is fraying. We need more people to care about their neighbors, more people to engage in their communities, and more people to volunteer with nonprofit organizations. The future of our state depends on it. Getting more people involved requires providing as many pathways as possible for involvement. Some people have limited time due to the demands of building a career or caring for a family. Short-term volunteer opportunities are a way to stay engaged during these busy periods of life. Other folks are looking for more sustained ways of making an impact, such as the long-term commitment of serving on a nonprofit board of directors. All of these are meaningful contributions to our communities. For young people in their 20s and 30s, civic engagement helps develop a sense of agency and ownership in the community. It is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and be part of shaping the vision of their city, which is helpful when determining where to put down roots. For seasoned leaders, civic engagement is a way to share knowledge, skills, and experience in a way that gives back to their community. It is an opportunity to build a legacy that impacts future generations. It is important for each Hoosier to find a way to contribute to our shared destiny. That is why Leadership Indianapolis hosts Get on Board each June, and IndyHub hosts the IndyVolved event each fall. And, more importantly, why our two independent organizations are working together to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and, for those already involved, to deepen their engagement. The deteriorating health of our civic landscape affects all of us. It is an issue that is too big and too critical for any single nonprofit to solve on their own. Solutions require organizations to step out of their silos and work together. We aren’t just preaching about the importance of breaking silos; we’re acting on it. Rather than seeing our events compete against one another, you will see our organizations inviting the community to both Get on Board and IndyVolved. Both events will have more than 100 nonprofit organizations in attendance, each seeking volunteers. Some will be providing opportunities that last an afternoon; others will be looking for board members ready to make a multi-year commitment. There’s a mission and a cause for everyone. The events are designed for conversation, not commitment – you don’t have to show up with all the answers, just a willingness to learn. No matter your age, experience, or title, there’s a place for you to serve. Both organizations believe Indiana’s future depends on a robust, inclusive and intergenerational pipeline of leaders, so come to whichever event fits with your schedule or has the vibe that resonates with you. Or, even better, come to both and meet more people, learn about more organizations, and find more ways to get engaged. Indiana’s civic health is not a self-sustaining resource. It requires constant, reciprocal investment between those who have come before and those yet to come. Choosing to get engaged in our community doesn’t just make you feel good, it ensures our state thrives.
