Community involvement is a measure of the commitment to the belief that local efforts can change conditions in a community. Stark County is described as a county that volunteers. However, organizations throughout Stark County are concerned that the current volunteer base is small and that as participants age they are not being replaced by younger individuals. Additionally volunteers commit to fewer hours. Two possible reasons for the lack of volunteers in the 25 to 44 year old age group could be as a result of economic pressures of wage earning which leaves little time for anything else, as well as a possible feeling of disengagement from the community. To encourage a belief that local efforts make a difference, some local funders and schools are encouraging student involvement in community service opportunities. The community has recognized the feeling of disconnection and responded with efforts to involve people in community.
Another kind of community involvement is participation in the political process. Voting in elections is one measure of civic participation. Between the years 1992 through 2008, the participation rate of Stark County registered voters ranged between 80% in the Presidential Election of 1992 to less than 40% in the local elections from 2003 through 2007.
Stark County Board of Elections
Ohio Department of State - Voting Information
The Association of Religion Data Archives |
