In these tough economic times, it seems as if everyone is cutting something from their monthly budgets. Summer vacation, going out for dinner, volunteering at the local food bank—wait… what was that last one?

Recent studies have shown interesting and varied levels of correlation between community involvement around the United States and its direct connection to the economy and unemployment. The recently-released Volunteering in America report by the Corporation for National and Community Service found an increase in the number of people volunteering between September 2007 and September 2008, just when the economy was beginning its initial descent.

Historically, however, a significantly depressed economy means a decline in civic engagement—the Great Depression saw a recession of civic activity as individuals scaled back their involvement in order to take care of their families during challenging times. This trend is supported by other recent articles, including one by UCLA sociology professor Jennie Brand find that when people are less certain about their jobs, or are in the unfortunate situation of being laid off, they are much less inclined to volunteer their time at various social, community, and civic groups.

The UCLA study notes “In the first study to look at the long-term impact of job displacement on social participation, we found that workers who had experienced just one involuntary disruption in their employment status were 35 percent less likely to be involved in their communities than their counterparts who had never experienced a job loss due to layoff, downsizing or restructuring, or a business closing or relocating.”

With evidence suggesting an incredibly strong bond between employment and civic engagement, it brings one to wonder about the reasons behind this trend of seclusion from community involvement. Would it be rational to assume that displaced workers should volunteer more of their time in hopes of networking for future employment? Or does the trend make sense that without a pay check and a feeling of security, it is hard to find motivation to become civically involved?

Which begs the question: In challenging economic times, what are the opportunity costs associated with being civically engaged? Can we afford not to be?

The 2009 America’s Civic Health Index: Civic Health in Hard Times, being released by NCoC later this month, explores the relationship between economic vitality and civic health, and discusses the ways Americans are engaging to get through these tough times. At the 2009 National Conference on Citizenship, we will discuss these findings and challenge the ways investments of time, talent, and treasure are measured in a way that recognizes their civic return and their true impact in communities.