Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 10: SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
COMMUNITY LIFE
87. Volunteer Work
The level of involvement is used to reflect the degree to which people believe they can make a difference in the community.
Mesa County gets high marks for the level of volunteerism at all age levels.
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteers) has 800 volunteers who serve in healthcare, schools, small businesses, the library, museum and other agencies.
About 30% of males volunteer, while 34% of females do. People from all income levels volunteer about the same amount, but those with more than high school educations are more likely to volunteer than those with less schooling.
May link to . . .
- Sense of belonging
- Civic Involvement
- Educational Attainment
- Economy
Figure 10-3: Proportion of Respondents Who Volunteer on a Regular Basis
Source: Mesa County Risk Behavior Survey, 1997
88. Service Club Membership
Participation in clubs and organizations relates to a sense of belonging and strengthens the community. Figure 10-4 shows the number of organizations by type. Organizations vary in size from fewer than five active participants to hundreds.
May link to . . .
- Sense of Belonging
- Civic Involvement
Service and support clubs include such organizations as the Junior Service League, Lions Clubs, the American Heart Association and the Young Parents' Program.
Figure 10-4: Club and Fraternal Organization Membership
Source: Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce Clubs and Organizations, 1997
89. Sense of Belonging
As Figure 10-5 indicates, about half of those surveyed said they belong to a group that provides social support. The lack of participation in a group was more likely for those in outlying regions of the county (only 44%) as opposed to 54% inside the City of Grand Junction. Those with less than a high school education and those with lower incomes were less likely to belong to a group. Men were less involved than women. All ethnic groups reported equal involvement.
May link to . . .
- Community Safety
- Economy
- Education
Figure 10-5: Proportion of Respondents Who Belong to a Group That Provides Social Support
Source: Mesa County Risk Behavior Survey, 1997
90. Neighborliness
Nine of ten Mesa County residents report that they have a neighbor they can turn to in time of need. All age groups, ethnic groups and income levels are fairly consistent.
May link to . . .
- Community Safety
- Health and Well-Being
- Education
Figure 10-6: Proportion of Respondents Who Have a Neighbor They Can Turn to in Times of Trouble
Source: Mesa County Risk Behavior Survey, 1997
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