Research finds that 2020 is making Americans more civic-minded

​Points of Light, a partner of CSR Solutions of Colorado, collaborated with Carol Cone and Hart Research to conduct an AT&T-funded study on the state of American civic engagement. The survey of over 1400 adults in the United States found that:

• Two-thirds of respondents (66%) agree that the pandemic will have a long-lasting positive impact on willingness to help others and make a difference.
  
• Almost all respondents (95%) say they will maintain or increase their current level of civic involvement after the pandemic passes.
  
• Sharing experiences with friends (64% of respondents selected this) and family (56%) have emerged as the most effective incentives to attract volunteers.
  
• The top barriers to civic engagement are not knowing how or where to get involved (44% of respondents selected this), finding nearby opportunities (44%) and believing what they can offer is truly helpful (43%).

In other words, this Points of Light research finds that a civic involvement movement is underway in 2020. For our communities to fully benefit from this new energy, however, it’s important for nonprofits to help individuals find opportunities where they can truly add value, ideally with friends and family.

Learn more by downloading the “Civic Life Today” report.