civic renewal begins with us and volunteerism is the spark
In a recent New York Times opinion piece, columnist David Brooks issued a powerful call for a “civic uprising” in America — a renewal of our collective spirit grounded in connection, belonging, and purpose. He writes about the loneliness, division, and institutional breakdowns plaguing our society and calls for bold efforts to rebuild the social fabric. Brooks argues that the path forward lies not only in policy or politics, but in grassroots energy — in people coming together to serve, build trust, and strengthen community ties from the ground up.
At Good Strategies, we couldn’t agree more.
We believe volunteerism is a critical — and often overlooked — component of civic renewal. When individuals step into community roles, offer their time and talents, and build relationships across lines of difference, something powerful happens: they begin to see themselves not just as helpers, but as stakeholders in the future of their communities. This mindset shift is transformational — for the volunteer, the organization, and the systems we’re trying to change.
Volunteerism is charity, but It’s also essential infrastructure.
Whether it’s a business creating space for employee volunteerism, a nonprofit designing meaningful service roles, or a family choosing to give back together — these acts contribute to the civic health Brooks is urging us to reclaim. They create the trust, connection, and shared responsibility that make our communities resilient and vibrant.
That’s why Good Strategies is hosting a virtual conversation at the end of June featuring national and local leaders in volunteerism, civic engagement, and corporate social responsibility. Together, we’ll explore how volunteerism can drive civic renewal and how we all have a role to play in reshaping what service looks like in our communities.
Stay tuned for more details — and get ready to join the conversation. Let’s build the future we want, together. We will also be making a big announcement about the future of Good Strategies
