September 10, 1998 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Young adults are committed to solving social problems, but they have little faith that their volunteer work at charities will make much of a difference, according to a new survey.
The survey, commissioned by Public Allies, a non-profit group based in Washington that works to develop leadership among young people, found that people ages 18 to 30 believe that charities can only be effective problem solvers if they work in concert with businesses and government agencies.
More than two-thirds of respondents said they had “been involved in activities to help their community” in the past three years. The figure includes people who did volunteer work or got involved in civic organizations.
But when asked which groups will be most effective in solving future social problems, charities barely rated a mention. Only 11 per cent of those surveyed said that charities would play an important role in solving future problems. Educational groups were named by 46 per cent of young people as being effective problem solvers — by far the most of any category in the survey. “Groups of people working together” was cited by 27 per cent of respondents, while 20 per cent of young people said that partnerships of government, business, and non-profit groups were important for solving problems.
The survey also found that young people believe that the best way to bring about changes in society is by “practicing your ideals in everyday life,” with 68 per cent saying they think that is effective. Volunteering to help people was regarded as an important means to create change by 54 per cent of respondents.
The survey was conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates and polled 728 people ages 18 to 30.
For a free copy of the report on the survey, “New Leadership for a New Century,” contact Meri Lou Gonzales, Public Allies, 1015 15th Street, N.W., Suite 200, Washington 20036; e-mail panational@aol.com.
