Dr. Rebecca Nesbit, a professor of nonprofit management at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, is earning recognition for her research on the intricacies of civic engagement. A recipient of an AmeriCorps research grant, her latest project, “Examining the Influence of Civic Infrastructure on Rural/Urban Volunteering and Civic Engagement,” explores the often-overlooked institutional factors that drive volunteerism in rural and urban communities. The project is supported by a $431,914 award, reflecting its significant potential to advance understanding of civic engagement.

A Focus on Civic Infrastructure

As community leaders increasingly depend on civic engagement to address local challenges, Dr. Nesbit’s research examines the critical role of “civic infrastructure”—nonprofits, voluntary associations, community foundations, schools, and small businesses—in shaping how Americans participate in their communities.

“Unfortunately, we know little about the effect of civic infrastructure on civic engagement,” Dr. Nesbit explains. “Many studies focus on metropolitan areas, leaving significant gaps in understanding rural civic engagement.”

Her work addresses these gaps by analyzing unique, confidential data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) Volunteering Supplement, merged with county-level records detailing local civic infrastructure. Alongside co-investigator, Dr. Laurie E. Paarlberg of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Dr. Nesbit employs advanced multi-level modeling in a secure Census Bureau Research Data Center to understand how institutions like churches, schools, and nonprofits influence volunteerism differently across rural and urban areas.

Challenges and Rewards of Data-Driven Research

Accessing the CPS Volunteering Supplement’s confidential data provides unparalleled insights but requires navigating strict protocols and logistical hurdles. Working within secure Census Bureau facilities adds complexity, including compliance with confidentiality standards and lengthy review processes.

“Having access to this dataset allows us to ask questions that have never been asked before,” Dr. Nesbit notes, emphasizing the value of overcoming these challenges to uncover critical insights into civic engagement.

Expanding on Previous Work

Dr. Nesbit’s current project builds on her prior AmeriCorps-funded research, “Examining the Community-Level Determinants of the Rural-Urban Volunteering Divide,” which revealed the importance of community context in shaping volunteering behaviors. That study highlighted a steep decline in volunteering rates in rural areas between 2002 and 2015, erasing a historical rural volunteering advantage.

 

The ongoing study expands on these findings by exploring how specific community institutions drive or inhibit civic engagement, particularly in rural communities facing barriers like population shifts and economic challenges.

Beyond the Data: Real-World Applications

Dr. Nesbit’s work is about more than statistics—it’s about empowering communities. “Volunteering is a critical form of civic engagement,” she says. “Understanding what drives it helps nonprofit leaders and policymakers create more engaged, connected communities.”

Her findings have implications for both practice and policy, offering actionable insights for nonprofit organizations and public agencies looking to improve volunteer recruitment and management.

Managing Court-Ordered Community Service Workers

Dr. Nesbit’s research extends beyond traditional volunteerism. Her forthcoming book, “Court- Ordered Community Service: The Experiences of Community Organizations and Community Service Workers,” co-authored with Dr. Jody Clay-Warner, Meigs Professor of Sociology at the University of Georgia, and Su Young Choi, a doctoral candidate in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia, explores the unique challenges and opportunities of managing court- ordered community service workers. While not traditional volunteers, these individuals often serve alongside volunteers in nonprofits. The book sheds light on their experiences, the role of nonprofits in managing them, and the broader implications for civic engagement.

OIBR’s Role in Supporting Groundbreaking Research

Dr. Nesbit’s achievements have been supported by the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR). With the assistance of OIBR’s Grant Development Program, she secured funding for her research projects on civic engagement. Additionally, Dr. Nesbit was a recipient of an OIBR seed grant, which provided funding for the data used in her forthcoming book on court-ordered community service.

As a Distinguished Scholar with OIBR, Dr. Nesbit has been deeply involved with the institute, leveraging its resources and interdisciplinary environment to advance her impactful research.

A Commitment to Community

Dr. Nesbit’s research is as much about people as it is about data. Through her partnerships with organizations like the Georgia Association of Volunteer Administrators, she ensures that her findings have practical applications, helping nonprofits and public agencies create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

“The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that it can make a difference,” Dr. Nesbit says. “Whether it’s helping a nonprofit recruit more volunteers or guiding policy discussions, my research is about building stronger, more connected communities.”

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