Civil Society, Civic Engagement & Volunteering
Civil society refers to the broad swath of society that exists between the market, the state, and the family, conceptualized (alternatively or in combination) as a set of voluntary associations and their actions, the nature of societal values, or the form and content of the “public sphere.” Civic engagement focuses attention on individuals in civil society and the various ways and rates at which they connect to politics, to communities, and to one another. Volunteering focuses more specifically on the motivations for, practice of, and outcomes generated by the giving of time in support of individuals, groups, or causes, often (but not always) through organizations.
Faculty Members
Faculty Research
New research proves the business case for product philanthropy
1/24/12
The study, released today by Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, provides the first detailed examination of the return on investment for donating merchandise as opposed to liquidating or destroying it.
IU research looks at student engagement from 'supply side'
12/15/11
A five-year project by researchers at Indiana University finds that the "host agencies" generally believe there is significant value to having students work with their groups. However, some of the organizations lack the staff, resources and procedures to make the best use of students. And many would welcome being more involved in planning and designing the opportunities.
Good360, IU collaborate to measure impact of 'product philanthropy'
8/24/11
The Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Good360, formerly Gifts In Kind International, have completed the first year of a unique, ongoing collaboration designed to measure the impacts of corporate gifts-in-kind to non-profit organizations.
Study: Link between military service and volunteering is complex
2/24/11
It draws on U.S. Census data to examine the frequency of volunteer activities for veterans compared with that of the population at large.
Why Not Partner With Local Government?
2/13/10
Assistant Professor Beth Gazley recently had her paper “Why Not Partner With Local Government? Nonprofit Managerial Perceptions of Collaborative Disadvantage" published.