By Kara Simon, Owner/Operator, Loving Heart Holistic Wellness
The New York Times defines Civic Engagement as “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” In this blog, I want to highlight the importance of civic engagement and share why it matters as a business owner.
The New York Times defines Civic Engagement as “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” In this blog, I want to highlight the importance of civic engagement and share why it matters as a business owner.
Community involvement as a business owner is important because it provides the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Volunteerism isn’t just about the “feel good” moments, it’s also about seeing, and participating in tangible results for the betterment of our community. Supporting people, non-profits, and local organizations through the act of community participation not only strengthens your company, but it also enhances the connections made in your community. Philanthropy is just one aspect of how you can lead by example for your employees and colleagues, which will cultivate strength within the foundation and culture of your business. Leadership isn’t just about being a good example within your organization, but also about the involvement in your community and the differences that you are making outside of your business.
I believe that as business owners and entrepreneurs, we have a social obligation to partake in direct service. I say obligation because a huge foundation of this country has been built on consumerism. If we want real growth and change to take place in our country and community, we must be the ones to take action. Whether we are in the service-based industry or providing a product, we each have valuable skills, time, money, knowledge, and effort that can be invested in providing support for the people in our community. We are part of a larger social fabric and civically responsible to take action in community care. We need community care to thrive, personally and professionally.
Civic Engagement can look like many things; however, the ultimate goal is to utilize our talents and resources for the betterment of people within our community. Supporting on-the-ground nonprofits, giving blood, donating goods, providing education, giving time or money are all examples of direct service. I encourage you to find a local nonprofit organization or an individual making waves in the community that you are passionate about. When passion is involved, it meets purpose and purpose fuels the fire for civic engagement and creates change!
In conclusion, I invite you to think about what kind of an impact do you strive to make as a business owner? Creating community connections through activism only enhances that impact. Cultivating a network of support within your community is not only good for business, but great for the heart. How can you make an impact today and lead by example through collaboration and citizen participation in your community both personally and professionally?
I believe that as business owners and entrepreneurs, we have a social obligation to partake in direct service. I say obligation because a huge foundation of this country has been built on consumerism. If we want real growth and change to take place in our country and community, we must be the ones to take action. Whether we are in the service-based industry or providing a product, we each have valuable skills, time, money, knowledge, and effort that can be invested in providing support for the people in our community. We are part of a larger social fabric and civically responsible to take action in community care. We need community care to thrive, personally and professionally.
Civic Engagement can look like many things; however, the ultimate goal is to utilize our talents and resources for the betterment of people within our community. Supporting on-the-ground nonprofits, giving blood, donating goods, providing education, giving time or money are all examples of direct service. I encourage you to find a local nonprofit organization or an individual making waves in the community that you are passionate about. When passion is involved, it meets purpose and purpose fuels the fire for civic engagement and creates change!
In conclusion, I invite you to think about what kind of an impact do you strive to make as a business owner? Creating community connections through activism only enhances that impact. Cultivating a network of support within your community is not only good for business, but great for the heart. How can you make an impact today and lead by example through collaboration and citizen participation in your community both personally and professionally?
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