by Niki Kelly and Jeff Wiehe, The Journal Gazette
A new Indiana Civic Health Index shows Hoosiers still have a way to go in terms of civic engagement. We still donÕt like talking about politics all that much Ð especially with strangers Ð and worse, we donÕt always like to vote, especially if a big election or issue is on the line. But weÕre improving in some areas Ð namely helping people and volunteering. ThatÕs according to the second Indiana Civic Health Index, released by the Indiana Bar Foundation on Monday. 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 in measuring civic health 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, according to the new report. This is a significant improvement from its 2011 ranking of 40th among all states. More than one-third of 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 26th in 2013. IndianaÕs rate of volunteering is now higher than the national average of 25.4 percent.