Introduction
Equality is one of the key goals that are envisaged in the American dream. The country, therefore, relies on various ways to promote equality of all citizens through diversity. One of the important elements that foster the culture of inclusion in the country is the aspect of voluntarism (Halpin & Williams, 2010). Voluntarism is a social principle that grants individuals the willingness to participate in the affairs of the public. By its own nature, voluntarism relies on collective actions where the citizens of the country are able to participate in the various issues in society (Halpin & Williams, 2010). This study seeks to explain how voluntarism relates to the issues of social inclusion and civic engagement.
To foster the element of diversity, America should rely on voluntarism as the main tool of ensuring social inclusion. Voluntarism promotes collective responsibility where all members of the society have equal opportunity to contribute to the various issues. An assessment of voluntarism from progressive dimension reveals that all citizens in the country are interested in attaining freedom, social justice, democracy, independence and cooperation, equality, and pragmatism. America can use voluntarism to promote diversity by ensuring social change. To this end, the principles of democracy and equality are used to promote decision making in the public arena. Moreover, the country can rely on collective policy-making strategies to enhance the representation of various groups of people (Halpin & Williams, 2010).
Role of voluntarism in society
Voluntarism promotes individual transformation where individuals are able to change their perspectives, beliefs, and behavior. These factors determine the choices made by the members of the society regarding the problems in society. For instance, in the philanthropic dimension, voluntarism promotes peaceful and collaborative coexistence between people of different groups. It brings together people of different backgrounds with the main aim of promoting shared responsibility and reducing the barriers, which may interfere with their unity. Through social activism, volunteering citizens are better placed to solve various problems in society (Halpin & Williams, 2010).
Civic engagement and voluntarism enable people to promote the wellbeing of society. Civic engagement is a program that is used by the citizens to solve issues that require public attention. It determines how the resources of the community are utilized for the benefit of all the community members. To this end, civic engagement tends to challenge the government and other entities in society in promoting diversity. It overrides the differences that exist between different groups. In its own rights, civic engagement tends to promote democratic governance where the people take responsibility in determining development (Halpin & Williams, 2010).
Conclusion
Efforts were taken by members of the community to solve problems that affect them fall within the confines of civic engagement. In this case, people have the right to determine the opportunities for change and development. They also have the duty to establish policies, make the right decisions, and formulate the desired reforms. Civic engagement in society is the key tool that promotes social equality and enables the members of society to embrace tolerance. The community members are able to interact at the individual and group levels in various activities (Halpin & Williams, 2010).
Voluntarism and civic management can also promote civil society by ensuring interaction between the people and various institutions in the country. Through voluntarism and civic engagement, the citizens of the country are able to participate in political, social, and economic processes that are essential for development and change in the community (Halpin & Williams, 2010).
Reference
Halpin, J., & Williams. P. (2010). What is Progressive? Progressive intellectual tradition in America. Center for American Progress, 2(46), 1-23.