“Compassion Counts More Than Ever” (from Parade Magazine)
March 9, 2010
America is in the midst of a boom--and one that is benefiting and bonding us all. "During past tough economic times, there was a decrease in volunteering," says Patrick Corvington, CEO of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. "But today there's a 'compassion boom' of people helping others." An exclusive new PARADE poll shows how and why so many Americans are working to improve our communities and the world.
"Public service" has become more than a phrase or a school requirement in our country--it's now a way of life for Americans of all ages. "People who are out of work are volunteering to stay connected to their communities and to hone their job skills," Corvington explains. "But I think part of what is driving the overall increase is the growing understanding that service is an essential tool to achieve community and national goals."
The findings of the new PARADE poll confirm Corvington's observations: Respondents were almost unanimous in the belief that it is "important to be personally involved in supporting a cause we believe in" in our communities (94%) and in the world at large (91%). More than three out of four (78%) think that the actions of one person can improve the world, and 78% also believe they're more involved in making a difference than their parents were...
The PARADE survey has uncovered three distinct types of Americans who are driving change in our communities and country today.
YEPPIES (YOUNG, ENGAGED PROBLEM SOLVERS)
Yeppies--a group of young people distinguished by a reliance on social media and socializing to fuel their activism--came into existence only a few years ago. They enjoy volunteering and have the most faith that individuals can solve social problems. Improving the world is both important to them and a way to connect with like-minded peers. Open to a variety of causes, they're particularly susceptible to getting involved because of a friend's "ask." They derive great stimulation and satisfaction from their activism and donate often and widely. Two-thirds of Yeppies are women, and of the three types, this one has the highest percentages of African-Americans and of single people.
RAPID RESPONDERS
Rapid Responders are not out to improve the entire world--their civic engagement is much more focused and personal. Their causes tend to stem from a specific problem, like a health or neighborhood issue, that may have come to their attention through a family member's or friend's negative experience. Rapid Responders often organize community events to raise awareness or money for the causes they support. Of the three groups, they're the most likely to have been involved in a local beach or park cleanup. They believe that the government has the most responsibility and the best resources to improve our society.
THE MISSION-MINDED
The Mission-Minded consist of mostly older Americans who are largely motivated by their faith. To them, supporting basic needs, like food and shelter, is a religious duty, but they may also rally to a cause they learn about from a secular community leader. Like Yeppies, they actively seek out opportunities for civic engagement. Generous with time and money, they're the most likely of the three types to travel in order to volunteer. The Mission-Minded are the least likely to cite a negative experience as a catalyst for action and have the most confidence in the ability of religious groups to fix the world's problems....
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