National Conference on Citizenship | Strengthening Civic Life in America with Data and Research

Mission: Strengthening civic life in America

NCoC pursues its mission through a nationwide network of partners involved in a cutting-edge civic health initiative and cross-sector conferences. At the core of these joint efforts is the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and country thrive.

Vision: Increasingly engaged, resilient communities as evidenced by measurable increases in the number of partners who individually and collectively take action to enhance civic life as a strategy for addressing their communities’ most pressing challenges.

The Latest Research

2018 Austin Civic Health Index

Strong civic health is vital for a thriving democracy and social well-being. Quality of life is influenced profoundly by people’s engagement in their communities, their civic associations, their networks, and the characteristics of their neighborhoods. Political participation, volunteering, donating, and…

2017 Veterans Civic Health Index

The 2017 Veterans Civic Health Index reaffirms that Veterans volunteer, assist neighbors, join civic groups, vote, and engage public officials at rates higher than their non-veteran counterparts. This report is produced in partnership with Got Your 6, American Express, and…

2018 Houston Civic Health Index

Residents of Greater Houston are less likely to trust their neighbors and volunteer than the average American. These findings are revealed in the newly released 2018 Houston Civic Health IndexTM, a report from our partners at Rice University’s Kinder Institute…

Explore the Data

In 2009, NCoC was incorporated into the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act to expand the national civic health assessment in partnership with the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) and the US Census Bureau. Today, the Civic Health Index draws upon data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement supplements. Data collection is made possible by funding from CNCS. NCoC has developed partnerships with states in blue to use data-driven approaches that strengthen civic health.

In Review: 2017 Annual Conference on Citizenship

An honest look at challenges facing our country

Collectively, conference participants considered what it will take to repair the civic fabric of our communities, begin closing the opportunity gap, and focus on civic learning to support both. Going forward, work will focus on tangible ways philanthropy and other leaders can support and invest in civic learning and civic health as mechanisms to influence equity and opportunity outcomes.

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Alaska Average	National Average
Volunteer:	34.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	12.4%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	15.1%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	50.7%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.2%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	67.3%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	21.4%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Alabama Average	National Average
Volunteer:	23.8%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.4%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.2%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	42.5%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.5%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	59.9%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Arkansas Average	National Average
Volunteer:	21.1%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.5%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6.9%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	38.8%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	12.6%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	49.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	9.9%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Arizona Average	National Average
Volunteer:	23.3%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	5.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	5.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	40.6%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	7%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	57.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	9.3%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	California Average	National Average
Volunteer:	24.4%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.2%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	36.6%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	9.8%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	47.8%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	9.3%	10.8%

2018 Annual Conference on Citizenship

The National Conference on Citizenship

The Latest Research

2018 Austin Civic Health Index

2017 Veterans Civic Health Index

2018 Houston Civic Health Index

Explore the Data

Click here to view the Full Summary of Partnership Opportunities

In Review: 2017 Annual Conference on Citizenship

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Colorado Average	National Average
Volunteer:	29.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	9.0%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	10.0%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	59.3%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.6%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	69.6%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	15.1%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Connecticut Average	National Average
Volunteer:	27.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	10.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	11.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	46.7%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.7%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	63.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	13.8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	District of Columbia Average	National Average
Volunteer:	31.4%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	15%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	14.4%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	51.4%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.6%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	71.2%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	23%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Delaware Average	National Average
Volunteer:	26.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	8.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	10%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	45.2%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	12.1%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	57%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	13.3%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Florida Average	National Average
Volunteer:	19.8%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	5.5%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	5.5%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	44.8%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	12%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	51%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Georgia Average	National Average
Volunteer:	21.6%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.9%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	43.2%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.4%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	60.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	11%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Hawaii Average	National Average
Volunteer:	23.4%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.7%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	41.8%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	14%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	61.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	9.9%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Iowa Average	National Average
Volunteer:	33.3%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.1%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	8.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	52.9%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.5%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	56.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	13.1%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Idaho Average	National Average
Volunteer:	36.8%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	9%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.9%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	41.8%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	15.8%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	61.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	18.8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Illinois Average	National Average
Volunteer:	24.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.1%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.5%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	41.7%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	9.9%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	60.7%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10.9%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Indiana Average	National Average
Volunteer:	25.1%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.3%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	8.1%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	35.1%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	12.7%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	64.6%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	11.1%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Kansas Average	National Average
Volunteer:	33.3%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	8.5%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	8.5%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	48.3%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	55.4%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	12.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Kentucky Average	National Average
Volunteer:	24.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.3%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6.8%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	47.5%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.7%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	57.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	11%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Louisiana Average	National Average
Volunteer:	18.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.2%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.1%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	50.2%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	10.2%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	76.4%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	8.5%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Massachusetts Average	National Average
Volunteer:	23.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.1%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	9.8%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	46.9%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	12.3%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	63.7%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	13.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Maryland Average	National Average
Volunteer:	26.6%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	9.4%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	10.8%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	48.9%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	10.3%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	53.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	12.8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Maine Average	National Average
Volunteer:	30.9%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	10.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	14.9%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	61.5%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	18%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	72.2%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	16.9%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Michigan Average	National Average
Volunteer:	24.7%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	9.4%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	9.2%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	47.1%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	10.9%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	64.9%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10.1%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Minnesota Average	National Average
Volunteer:	35.1%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	11.5%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	13.2%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	52%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	10.6%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	66.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	14.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Missouri Average	National Average
Volunteer:	27.6%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	8.2%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6.6%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	38.7%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	14.9%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	62.2%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10%	10.8%

2018 Annual Conference on Citizenship

The Latest Research

2018 Austin Civic Health Index

2017 Veterans Civic Health Index

2018 Houston Civic Health Index

Explore the Data

Click here to view the Full Summary of Partnership Opportunities

In Review: 2017 Annual Conference on Citizenship

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Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Mississippi Average	National Average
Volunteer:	21%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	42.3%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	22.2%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	75.9%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	14.8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Montana Average	National Average
Volunteer:	29.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	13.1%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	12.6%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	50.1%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.3%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	69.7%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	17.6%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	North Carolina Average	National Average
Volunteer:	25.6%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.3%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6.8%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	46.2%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.2%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	61.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	North Dakota Average	National Average
Volunteer:	32.7%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	8.8%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	10.5%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	51%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.3%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	67.7%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	14.7%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Nebraska Average	National Average
Volunteer:	36.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	8.3%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	9.9%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	44.3%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.2%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	65%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	12.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	New Hampshire Average	National Average
Volunteer:	28.4%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	13.2%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	16.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	50.2%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.7%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	61.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	14.1%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	New Jersey Average	National Average
Volunteer:	22.8%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.2%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	6.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	36.4%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	13.3%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	63.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	11.2%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	New Mexico Average	National Average
Volunteer:	25.6%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	7.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	10.5%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	45.6%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	10.9%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	64.1%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	13.8%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	Nevada Average	National Average
Volunteer:	19.4%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	5.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.3%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	37.3%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	9%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	53.9%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	12.9%	10.8%

Data from the US Census Current Population Survey’s Voting, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement.	New York Average	National Average
Volunteer:	19.2%	24.9%
Work with neighbors to fix or improve community:	6.7%	7.6%
Attend a public meeting:	7.4%	8.2%
Voted in 2014 midterm election:	34.4%	41.9%
Do favors for neighbors:	11.6%	12.1%
At least sometimes vote in local elections:	61.5%	58.5%
Have contacted or visited a public official:	10.8%	10.8%