Gaven, a member of Vanderbilt University’s women’s lacrosse team, is a participant in the Engaged Athlete Fellowship program, which is run by The Team in conjunction with the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, publisher of The Fulcrum.
Community service, a cornerstone of civic engagement, forms the very fabric of our communities. Yet, volunteer rates in the United States have been on a downward trend for years, painting a concerning picture. From 2019 to 2021, the formal volunteering rate in the United States dropped 7 percentage points, the largest change since AmeriCorps and the Census Bureau began collecting this data in the early 2000s. While this recent change can be attributed in part to the pandemic, the downward trend predates Covid-19.
What if there was a way to reverse this trend — not just through numbers, but through the power of leadership and inspiration? That is where my project at Vanderbilt University, fueled by my experience as an engaged athlete fellow at The Team, comes in.
When people think of community service they may envision feel-good moments or small isolated acts, but the impact of service goes far deeper. Service projects can empower individuals to take an active role in shaping the communities they live in. Service projects can provide opportunities for personal growth and development, promote empathy and understanding, and allow citizens to address pressing societal issues. From cleaning parks to tutoring children, every act of service creates a ripple effect, improving lives and building stronger communities.
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Beyond its immediate impact, the long-term impact community service has on society is just as important, if not more so. Studies have shown that engaging in community service often leads to future increased civic participation. Volunteers are more likely to vote, attend community meetings and engage in politics. Volunteers are also more likely to become advocates for social issues, further amplifying their impact. They become role models, inspiring others to get involved and creating a virtuous cycle of civic engagement.
This is where student-athletes step in. They are not just stars on the field; they are leaders, role models and community figures. They can help elevate the work that is already occurring on campus, such as the work that is outlined in the institution’s action plan. They can also plug into the efforts of the nonpartisan campus student voting group, Vandy Votes. Their voices carry weight and their actions inspire. By engaging athletes in service, we can harness their influence to ignite a passion for civic engagement in a wider audience.
My project leverages this unique position by launching a year-long competition between athletic teams to see which can contribute the most amount of hours towards community service. While the competitive spirit may seem at odds with the selfless act of giving back, I believe it can be a powerful tool for positive change.
The goal is not just to crown a winning team at the end of the year, but rather to create a fun and engaging environment that sparks a genuine desire to serve. The friendly competition acts as a catalyst, encouraging athletes to step outside their comfort zones and discover the joy of giving back. It allows them to experience firsthand the impact their actions have on the community, fostering a sense of purpose and connection that goes beyond the playing field.
Remember, athletes thrive on competition. Channeling their competitive spirit towards a social good motivates them to contribute more hours and inspires their friends and fans to join the movement. Imagine the ripple effect as passionate athletes become vocal advocates for community service, igniting a wave of positive change that extends beyond the competition's timeframe.
By actively participating in the betterment of their communities, individuals become more invested in the welfare of society, leading to increased civic participation and a stronger sense of civic identity. In essence, community service is a cornerstone of democracy, empowering citizens to actively contribute to the common good and shape the future of their communities.
With the 2024 election approaching, civic engagement is more crucial than ever. We need informed, engaged citizens to shape our future. By empowering student-athletes to become service leaders, we can create a positive ripple effect that transforms our communities and paves the way for a more engaged democracy.
