Shaping Kentucky’s Future Together

March 1, 2012

A 2011 report on the state of civic health in the state of Kentucky.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS:

National Conference on Citizenship
At the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), we believe everyone has the power to make a difference in how their community and country thrive.

We are a dynamic, non-partisan nonprofit working at the forefront of our nation’s civic life.We continuously explore what shapes today’s citizenry, define the evolving role of the individual in our democracy, and uncover ways to motivate greater participation. Through our events, research and reports, NCoC expands our nation’s contemporary understanding of what it means to be a citizen. We seek new ideas and approaches for creating greater civic health and vitality throughout the United States.

The Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility
The Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility (ICSR) is an organization at Western Kentucky University of administrators, faculty, students, and staff committed to promoting our central mission to develop students’ abilities to think critically, serve generously, and act responsibly. ICSR programs encourage careful reflection on civic values and critical analysis of contemporary social, economic, and political problems. The goal is to work towards developing the capacities and skills of community organizing, citizenship, and civic engagement as a means to achieving social change and the common good. www.wku.edu/icsr/

McConnell Center
The McConnell Center was established in 1991 by Kentucky’s senior U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and the University of Louisville. The Center was founded based on McConnell’s belief that “Kentucky’s future depends on inspiring talented, motivated leaders.” In 2005, that mission expanded to include a Civic Education Program at the University of Louisville. Through a variety of professional development conferences, lectures and seminars, this non-profit, non-partisan program is designed to improve Kentuckian’s understanding of their history, assist Kentucky citizens in developing a better understanding of the American Constitution and American history, and encourage open and free discussion of perennial concerns that inform contemporary politics. www.louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter

Kentucky Advocates for Civic Education (KACE)
Established in September 2010, KACE is a consortium of organizations and agencies dedicated to advancing civic education. KACE is an outgrowth of the 2004 Civic Literacy Initiative of Kentucky (CLIK) and is designed to maintain on-going promotion and coordination of civic education advocacy and information. The ultimate goal for KACE is an informed Kentucky citizenry, effectively engaged in the democratic process.

Kentucky Office of the Secretary of State
The Office of the Secretary of State believes there is a need to engage young Kentuckians more fully in the electoral process. Particularly, we note the alarming decline of civic engagement among all Kentucky citizens. The Office is examining this decline and working to reverse these trends in order to achieve a better informed and engaged Kentucky electorate.