Hoosiers and civic engagement

by Niki Kelly, the Journal Gazette

A new Indiana Civic Health Index shows Hoosiers still have a way to go in terms of civic engagement. The first index was done in 2011, led by former Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard and former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton. Among the activities that were considered were registering to vote and casting a ballot, staying informed about current events, talking with friends and family about politics and joining a volunteer organization. In 2013, Indiana ranked 20th among all states in the percentage of individuals participating in group associations. This is a significant improvement from its 2011 ranking of 40th among all states. More than one-third of all Hoosiers participate in at least one group regardless of where they live, the report said. They are, on average, more likely than other Americans to be part of a civic or service organization and to participate in activities with religious institutions. In addition to being members of an organization, Hoosiers donate their time and talents to a wide array of organizations, the report said. Volunteers provide services in many areas, including hospitals, religious organizations, schools, homeless shelters, and food banks. In 2013, 26.9 percent of Hoosiers participated in a volunteer activity, moving the state from a rank of 32nd in 2010 to a rank of 26th in 2013. IndianaÕs rate of volunteering is now higher than the national average of 25.4 percent. Suburban residents have the highest rate of volunteering, reporting a volunteering rate of 30.1 percent. Approximately 24 percent of urban and rural residents donate their time and talent to volunteer activities. Perhaps the biggest form of civic engagement is voting. In the 2012 presidential election, Indiana ranked 38th in voter turnout among eligible citizens with a rate of 59.3 percent. The national turnout rate was 61.8 percent that year. ~1@BODYURL[id=114jbcurl1289]@