Participation in sports and recreation organizations, unions and professional associations, and cultural, education and hobby organizations declined by over 60% between 2013 and 2022. This decline is significant as participation in sports and recreation fosters inclusion.
Racialized people were more likely than those who identified as white to participate in at least one type of group (55% compared to 39%). The gap was particularly pronounced in immigrant/ethnic groups (9% compared to 1%), religious-affiliated groups (17% compared to 9%) and cultural organizations (12% compared to 7%).
LOCAL VITAL SIGNS REFLECTIONS
The Edmonton Community Foundation’s 2022 Vital Signs report on systemic racism found that sports can foster inclusion. 87% of newcomers said that watching their children play sports or volunteering for their children’s teams made them feel more connected to the community. Read their full Vital Signs report. VOLUNTEERING Volunteering puts boots on the ground in the community to address social challenges. Through the pandemic, volunteering rates have declined, creating a crisis of community engagement. Fewer than one in four people are volunteering. Only 24% of community members volunteered for any organization in the past 12 months in 2022. Rates of volunteerism are higher among religiously active people (51%), those aged 18 to 24 (35%) and people who are racialized (31%).
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