WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is excited to release Vermont’s first-ever Civic Health Index, a comprehensive examination of civic health in the Green Mountain State. The report, developed in partnership with the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office reveals Vermont ranks among the nation’s leaders in several key measures of civic engagement. Other partners included UVM’s Center for Rural Studies, SerVermont, Up For Learning, and Vermont Humanities.
“Vermont’s first Civic Health Index reveals a state with remarkable civic vitality, particularly in areas that build community resilience,” said Jeff Coates, Research and Evaluation Director at NCoC. “Ranking 2nd nationally in working with neighbors on community projects and discussing local issues, Vermonters demonstrate an outstanding commitment to engaged citizenship. What’s especially noteworthy about Vermont’s approach is how they’ve expanded traditional metrics of civic health to examine cultural access, media trust, and youth engagement – providing a more complete picture of their civic ecosystem. This comprehensive baseline will help Vermont build on their strengths while thoughtfully addressing gaps in participation and access across all communities.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Vermont ranks 2nd in the nation for residents attending public meetings
- The state ranks 5th nationally for informal helping of neighbors
- 70% of Vermont youth report affiliation with community or school organizations
- Vermont ranks 2nd nationally in political and societal discussions among neighbors
The report also identifies opportunities for growth, including expanding access to civic spaces and strengthening civic education initiatives. Vermont’s innovative approach includes the first statewide deployment of the Youth Civic Health Survey, providing valuable insights into young people’s civic engagement.
The National Conference on Citizenship works with partners in more than 35 states to measure civic health and strengthen democratic participation. Vermont’s comprehensive approach to measuring civic vitality sets a new standard for understanding and improving civic engagement at the state level.