The Business of Engagement
As printed in GSA Business
Do you have someone who inspired you to make a difference in the community? Is there someone who challenged you to get involved? Everyone needs someone who inspired, shaped, and encouraged them. Maybe it was a teacher. Maybe it was a coach or a Sunday School advisor. Maybe it was the parent of a friend, or maybe was another relative. Mentors and heroes come in all different packages.Forty years ago, a young Greenville man graduated from Furman University. Joe Vaughn was special. He was the first African American to graduate from Furman. After graduation, Joe chose to teach English in the Greenville County schools. Joe taught me English at Hughes Middle School in 7th and 8th grade, and was the best teacher and mentor I have had. He had a gift to inspire and connect with young people. Joe made a difference. Joe Vaughn cared and was engaged.
The Upstate has a history of strong, visionary leaders who have dreamed about what the Upstate can be. Our region is the envy of other communities because of people who stepped up and believed they can change our part of the world. The names are familiar… Heller, Daniel, Hipp, Wyche, Duckett, Furman, Parker, Peace. What made the difference is that not only were they passionate about the Upstate, but channeled this passion to create change.
I recently led a strategic planning retreat for the Board of PULSE, the Greenville Chamber’s young professional’s leadership organization. One of PULSE’s charges is to engage its 500 members in the community. The concern they shared with me was how difficult it is to get involved as a young person. How can we inspire our young people to get involved in making a difference in Greenville?
We need more people to run for public office, more people to vote in our elections, and more people to volunteer with our nonprofit agencies. In the 2006 elections in Greenville County, 62% of the races were unopposed. Three out five races for council, the school board, and the state legislature had only one person running. In the same elections, only 46% of registered voters went to the polls, the lowest participation in fifteen years—just over half of the 84% who voted in the 1992 elections. In the last November’s election, only 15% of voters came to the polls for the city of Greenville elections.
Vision 2025 was created three years ago as Greenville’s roadmap for our future. One of the dreams identified by participants in developing Vision 2025 is increasing community involvement. Vision 2025 has aggressive engagement goals: 75% of voters will vote in all major elections; more citizens volunteer and give to nonprofit agencies; a larger, more diverse, and younger group of people will run for political office. Greenville leads the state in capturing the innovation, intellect, and spirit of its youth in shaping community decisions and directions.
How can the Upstate get more people involved and engaged in community service? Getting involved is easier than people think. The excuses for not getting involved are many. “I don’t have time.” “I don’t know who to call.” “One person like me can’t make a difference.” I strongly disagree. The Upstate offers many ways to make a difference.
- Run for political office or a board or commission. The filing date for local elections opens on March 15th. The application deadline for 50 openings on Greenville County Boards and Commissions is February 29th and applications can be completed online at GreenvilleCounty.org. We need qualified candidates who are willing to serve.
- Develop your leadership skills. Greenville is blessed with programs like Furman’s Diversity Leadership Academy and Liberal Arts Leadership program. Leadership Greenville and Opportunity Greenville offer the opportunity to learn more about the community and develop individual passions.
- Get Engaged in the Business Community. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Become more involved in your neighborhood association.
- Volunteer. Hands On Greenville offers easy, even one time opportunities to volunteer. It’s a great start in a journey of engagement. The robust Hands On Greenville website allows you to search by type of activity, length of commitment, and date. Join the missions work at your church.
I think part of the problem specifically dealing with Boards and Commissions is that it’s tough to tell what the exact qualifications are for certain vacancies and how to now whether you’d be a good fit. The County could definitely provide more information as to what they’re looking for in a candidate. I know a couple of young professionals who applied for vacancies last year and were denied. Are there ways we can assist people in finding openings that they could feasibly be accepted for?
Comment by Administrator — February 5, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
I agree… and the County would agree as well. Some of the commissions have special requirements, and some do not fully explain what is involved. I like the idea of developing some type of description of what is required. Also, while there are often openings on Boards and Commissions, several are highly competitive and get a lot of applications. The GADC Board for example, gets a lot of applications for only a couple spots. My advice, keep trying, and keep looking for those opportunities which match your passions.
Comment by Administrator — February 6, 2008 @ 2:48 am