The BrownFlynn team volunteers at the Cleveland Foodbank

Hallie, Emily and Melissa

Marianne, Beth and Barb

Barb, Marianne and Beth

Anita, Emily, Melissa, Margie and Hallie

Emily, Marianne, Barb, Marissa and Melissa

This past Monday our team spent a couple of hours at the Cleveland Foodbank volunteering in the warehouse packing ‘boxed lunches’ to deliver to different neighborhoods in need around Cleveland. One of our goals in our recently released first sustainability report was to develop a formal community investment policy for things like pro bono work and employee volunteer time. What better way to fulfill this goal, as well as give back around the holidays, than to volunteer?

Not only was it gratifying to know we supported a wonderful organization that helps thousands of people each year, but it was nice to spend time with each other outside of the office. Volunteering is a great team-building activity with several benefits, and it’s especially satisfying around the holidays when there are so many in need. Above are some pictures of our trip.

Decline in Volunteerism during the Economic Crisis

About two months ago, articles were stating that more people are volunteering during the recession due to the increase in free time brought by unemployment.  A new study demonstrates that the opposite is taking place in what the report calls a “Civic Foreclosure”.

The New Study

The new study is the National Conference on Citizenship’s (NCoC) annual America’s Civic Health Index, which is based on survey data collected in May 2009.  The study looks at the state of civic engagement in America, which also reflects the impact of the economic crisis.

Results of the survey include that 72 percent of respondents said they have cut back on time engaged in civic participation: including time spent volunteering, participating in groups or performing other civic activities in their communities.

The survey also found public perception to support this finding, as 66 percent of Americans said that they felt other people are responding to the current economic downturn by looking out for themselves, with only 19 percent saying people around them are responding to the recession by helping one another more.