Opinion 2: Plan For Civic Engagement In 2008
By Timothy J. Garvin
Special to the Worcester Business Journal
Alexis de Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who came here to observe democracy in America wrote, "The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens." As businesses assess their plans for the future, it would be wonderful if all businesses encouraged and increased the civic engagement of their entire workforce in our community.
Civic engagement is more than just a one-shot volunteer opportunity. Civic engagement is when local citizens run for elected office because they want to make their community a better place. It is when members of a local labor council build ramps for those otherwise homebound. Civic engagement is when business leaders participate by offering their time and experience on nonprofit boards and when college students volunteer as mentors for vulnerable populations across the city. It is when an 18-year-old registers to vote on his/her birthday. Civic engagement is when thousands of employees contribute money to human service organizations that make a difference in so many lives here in Central Massachusetts.
Added Value
Civic engagement is not only good for society; it is good for the business. Internally, the company benefits from leadership development and team-building opportunities that increase productivity and loyalty. Externally, the networking and subsequent contacts made through civic engagement enable the business to enhance and improve its business presence.
On a larger scale, working to improve societal issues not only benefits those most in need, but it increases the quality of life for all members of the community, making it easier to attract and retain top-notch employees.
Just how can a business make civic engagement part of its business plan? First, it must begin with the board room and the top of the corporate structure and it must permeate through the ranks of all employees. The workforce must see their leaders actively involved in solving issues within the community and must be told why it makes good business sense to do so. In fact, civic engagement is a learned behavior.
Second, management needs to celebrate those who are already engaged. Many employees give generously of their time during their out-of-work hours. Not only should they be recognized for their involvement, but there should be incentives to encourage other employees to do the same.
But most importantly, make it part of the corporate environment at the workplace by offering paid time off to employees who want to give of themselves. CEOs could lead a team of employees in a volunteer effort such as the United Way's Day of Caring and they could encourage employees with specialized skills to use them to better the community.
When businesses allow and encourage their workforces to participate in the civic life, the social fabric of where we live and work becomes stronger and richer.
Timothy J. Garvin is president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.
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