by Rob Stott, Associations Now
A first-ever examination of the civic health of the countryÕs veterans found that, given the opportunity, they make a major impact on local communities. The survey also dispelled several rumors about the veteran population. Service to oneÕs country doesnÕt end when the uniform comes off, according to the results of a first-of-its-kind survey on civic engagement among veterans. Through our research, we have found that veteran status is a powerful predictor of civic engagement, which translates to tangible and measurable positive impacts in our communities. The 2015 Veterans Civic Health Index, a collaboration between the National Conference of Citizenship and veteransÕ advocacy group Got Your 6, showed significant and positive trends in the level of civic engagement among the countryÕs veteran population, especially around voting and volunteering. The groups used data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and EngagementÕs analysis of the Census Current Population Survey. ÒEach year, about a quarter-million veterans return to communities across the country,Ó the surveyÕs authors wrote in the report. ÒLike the community itself, veterans reach their full potential when given meaningful opportunities to engage. The majority of veterans return home seeking new challenges and opportunitiesÑways to continue serving their community and country.Ó Among the key findings: -Veterans volunteer an average of 160 hours annually, the equivalent of four workweeks. By comparison, nonveterans serve about 120 hours per year. -Veterans were more likely than nonveterans to attend community meetings, fix problems in the neighborhood, and fill leadership roles in community organizations. -More than 17 percent of veterans are involved in civic organizations, compared to just under 6 percent of nonveterans. -Nearly 60 percent of veterans under 50 years old vote in local elections, compared to 49 percent of nonveterans under 50 years old. Further, the survey found that veterans are more likely to contact public officials, discuss politics, and are more trusting of their neighbors. ÒThrough our research, we have found that veteran status is a powerful predictor of civic engagement, which translates to tangible and measurable positive impacts in our communities,Ó Chris Marvin, Army veteran and managing director of the Got Your 6 campaign, said in a statement. ÒVeterans return home from service hungry for their next mission and we, as a nation, should empower them to use their training to strengthen communities here at home.Ó