Volunteering Time Use

Civic Engagement An engaged and involved population is a vital asset to the strength and vibrancy of a community. However, systematically measuring civic engagement can be challenging. Factors such as nonprofit involvement, voting activity, volunteerism, and veteran status can enhance our understanding of civic engagement.

The state of nonprofit organizations serves as a key indicator of regional civic engagement and community connections. The Institute accessed statistics on nonprofits from the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics. Most nonprofits are designated as 501(c)(3) organizations and operate across various fields, including arts, culture, humanities, education, environment, health, human services, and religion.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted nonprofit organizations in several ways, including disrupting essential fundraisers and requiring alterations to service delivery methods. Volunteer opportunities became limited as well. Even before the pandemic, national data since 2003 indicated a gradual decline in the percentage of Americans volunteering on any given day. Although the total number of hours contributed by volunteers remained relatively stable, volunteer hours were not recorded in 2020. Subsequent data show that fewer people are volunteering compared to the years before COVID-19.

Declining volunteerism negatively impacts community organizations, safety net programs, arts and culture events, and essential public safety services, such as volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services (EMS). However, The Institute’s annual polling program of college and university students found that, as of 2024, about 55% of students sometimes or often participate in events aimed at raising money for charity, while approximately 33% engage with organizations outside of school. Libraries serve a vital role in the community as nonprofit organizations, and their data is instrumental in assessing resource availability and utilization. The number of libraries in the region has remained stable. Libraries in northeastern Pennsylvania are reinventing themselves to provide more services, particularly to diverse communities.

Voter turnout is another critical indicator of civic engagement. This metric tracks the number of registered voters eligible to vote in the November elections each year, as well as the actual voter turnout for those elections. Despite challenges related to the pandemic that affected voter registration and in-person voting, the 2020 election saw record levels of voter registration and participation both regionally and statewide. However, declines in registration and participation were noted in 2021, reflecting longstanding trends during municipal election years. In 2022, the midterm elections experienced a slight increase in registered voters, and voter turnout was comparable to or higher than in previous midterm election years across all three counties. By 2024, the number of registered voters reached its highest level since 2020. Voter education is crucial for increasing turnout in municipal elections, as it is important for individuals to realize that these elections can significantly impact their daily lives, even more than presidential elections.

The number of military veterans in a community can indicate how successfully that community cares for its veterans, particularly regarding the demand for specialized services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. Recent data shows a generally declining trend in the total number of veterans in the region; nonetheless, the area remains home to a substantial veteran population. While there are community resources available to support many veteran needs, issues with awareness and access may still pose challenges. Libraries in northeastern Pennsylvania are reinventing themselves to offer more, especially to diverse communities.