How This Book Is Organized
The first four chapters form the foundation of this textbook. Together, these chapters are designed to help you understand what public service means and how you can start positioning yourself for success.
The next section begins with a refresher on how government is structured in the United States. Chapter 5 explains the three levels of government and the role of bureaucracy in carrying out work. Chapter 6 describes how local governments are organized in Northeast Ohio. Then the remaining chapters focus on specific local government careers.
Next, the textbook turns to the nonprofit sector. Students are introduced to how the sector is organized and the wide range of services it provides. The chapters highlight opportunities across areas such as health and human services, community development, arts and culture, and philanthropy.
Why Start with Local Governments & Nonprofits?
Starting with local government and then nonprofits in Northeast Ohio is intentional because readers explore public and nonprofit opportunities in our region first before moving on to state, federal, and international contexts. Taken together, the local government and nonprofit chapters give students a strong sense of who does what when it comes to civic problem solving. We refer to this system of people and organizations working to address challenges in our communities as the Northeast Ohio civic ecosystem.
In the next section, readers learn about opportunities at the state and federal level. Many of these jobs are based in Northeast Ohio, so you do not have to leave the region to pursue a career in state or federal service.
The next section identifies private sector opportunities. Readers see how businesses contribute to the public good through environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and social entrepreneurship. These chapters highlight how careers in the private sector can align with public service values and offer pathways for those who want to improve communities while working outside of government or nonprofits.
In the next section, readers explore ways to serve abroad through the military, the foreign service, or international nongovernmental organizations. This brings the focus back to careers in government and the nonprofit sector, but in an international context.
Finally, the textbook concludes with a focus on volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic engagement. The goal is to show that there are meaningful ways to serve even if you do not choose public service as a career. These activities are an important part of the Northeast Ohio civic ecosystem and demonstrate how individuals can contribute to solving community problems in many different ways.
