by Gordon Jackson, the Brunswick News
ST. MARYS Ñ When it comes to politics, Georgians are more talk than action. According to a survey called the Georgia Civic Health Index, the state only ranks above the national average in two categories that were used to gauge civic health: GeorgianÕs rank sixth in people expressing political opinions online and No. 17 in discussing politics. Ironically, Georgia ranks No. 41 in voter registration according to the study. Based on U.S. Census data, the study concludes the state ranks below the national average in most indicators of civic health. Celenda Perry, executive director of Camden Community Alliance & Resources, made a presentation to explain the study results Monday at a Camden Roundtable meeting in Kingsland. ÒGeorgiaÕs civic health is not strong, and the state has room to improve,Ó Perry said. The study looked at different areas including social connectedness, community involvement, political action and confidence in institutions. It considered things such as how much people talk to their neighbors, time spent with friends and family, participation in community groups, voting, political discussion and actions to further civic interest. Despite the low rating, Perry said there are simple things at the grass-roots level that people can do to raise the stateÕs standing. ~1@BODYURL[id=114jbcurl1288]@