The Importance of Social Engagement

Sagan is a local Florence teen. She reached out to volunteer with the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion this summer and wanted to write a blog about the importance of social engagement, but from a different perspective. Enjoy this special edition, written by Sagan Hart.

blog cover image with text saying the importance of social engagement by Sagan Hart

Mitchell/West Center for Social Inclusion
 

Hi, I am Sagan Hart. I’m excited to work with UNA’s Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion Center to provide commentary from a teen perspective on different topics.

graphic with text stating I feel it’s important to be educated on the issues and challenges present in our society, and an easy way for teens to become aware of these is through social engagement

I feel it’s important to be educated on the issues and challenges present in our society, and an easy way for teens to become aware of these is through social engagement. Social engagement is how a person connects with others in a community or even online, which can be seen in activities such as volunteering. When you become involved in spaces like these, you create a sense of inclusion and a purpose for yourself. Low self-esteem is very common in teens today but feeling accomplished from volunteerism can help us to feel more satisfied and boost confidence. It also provides people with a safe space alongside other like-minded people where their voices can be heard.

graphic with text stating It’s not that teens are disinterested in the world around them, but we show our concern in ways that differentiate us from other age groups

Participating in community service projects also aids in building important connections that become beneficial when a support system is needed. Helping teens stay connected in their communities is crucial in an era of online networking that can lead to teens being socially withdrawn. The main forms of communication among teens today are smartphones and social media, which often lead other people to believe that we are apathetic today. However, I don’t believe this to be the case at all. It’s not that teens are disinterested in the world around them, but we show our concern in ways that differentiate us from other age groups. But at the same time, it’s easier to stop caring about something and avoid it than it is to deal with it. That’s why having positive peer and adult influences are beneficial to helping work through overwhelming situations and topics.

graphic with text stating Communication should be the top priority instead of lecturing and putting someone down

In order to engage teens, there should be an awareness of the pressures they face today. The more you push them to feel or act a certain way, the more they will rebel against it or do nothing at all. Communication should be the top priority instead of lecturing and putting someone down. Through different forms of social engagement, you make friends, gain a support system, and find your passion. Educate yourself. Be aware of what’s going on in the world because it does affect us and we can help change it.

graphic with text stating Educate yourself. Be aware of what’s going on in the world because it does affect us and we can help change it.