2) To build a new generation of civically engaged leaders equipped to solve the problems of tomorrow The Government recently released a white paper on giving, which concluded that “There is a need across the UK to establish a culture of social action; people giving what they have... to support good causes and help make life better for all...but levels of giving time and money have flat-lined in recent years”. We believe that to create this culture of social action, and to see a real change in social issues in the UK and abroad in the future, it is crucial to invest in students. This is because they: 1. Form an increasingly large part of society, as almost half of young people now go to university; 2. Are the leaders, consumers and decision-makers of tomorrow; 3. Are at a highly formative stage of their life. Research shows that the ideas and activities that students engage with now heavily influence their views and actions in the future. Indeed how much a student volunteers at university substantially impacts on their later civic engagement. American universities invest heavily in their responsibility to create future civic leaders - and usually over 60% of students volunteer on a regular basis. This is a driving factor in the advanced culture of philanthropy and volunteerism in America. Indeed research conducted into student volunteering concludes that how much a student volunteers during college has a very ‘clear and substantial effect on how much that student volunteers after college’ and that ‘the importance of colleges… to volunteering cannot be overstated’. Student Hubs therefore works to create a culture change in UK higher education, preparing students to be active citizens and agents of change for life.
“Universities have a unique opportunity to influence the political, social and business leaders of the future” David Lammy MP
“It is critical to civil society's continued strength that we cultivate lifelong volunteers and donors by providing meaningful opportunities for involvement while they are young" 'Engaging Youth in Lifelong Service' a report by Independent Sector