Why Civic Engagement Is Good for Us |
Research has shown there to be psychological and physical benefits to be gained through civic engagement—involvement in an activity that supports one’s local community. Such activities include volunteering, such as working in a soup kitchen; fundraising for a nonprofit; participating in a charitable cause, such as a “fun run”; voting or supporting a candidate; visiting people who are sick; serving as a booster for a school’s athletic team; organizing a neighborhood event, such as a potluck dinner; and taking part in an environmental cleanup.
In his 2015 book The Psychology of Citizenship and Civic Engagement, S. Mark Pancer provided findings from a study among young people who were and were not civically engaged. Those who were involved (labeled “Activists” and “Helpers”) had higher levels of self-esteem, a greater sense of optimism, and more advanced identity development than those who were not (labeled........