November 18, 2009
NEW REPORT REVEALS DISAPPOINTMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT AMONG ILLINOIS CITIZENS Illinois citizens, particularly young people, are withdrawing from active civic engagement. Study shows support for funding civic education CHICAGO, November 18, 2009—A new report, released today by the National Conference on Citizenship, shows that Illinois citizens are disappointed, frustrated and disillusioned by recent political scandals and the pressures of the recession. The report, co-sponsored and funded by the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation and the McCormick Freedom Project, reveals a badly fractured civic culture, with Illinois ranking 40th in the nation. The study also found that young people in Illinois are significantly less engaged than those in other states. “These findings have profound implications for the civic health of our city and our state,” said David Hiller, McCormick Foundation President and CEO. “With this report, the National Conference on Citizenship has put a spotlight on a serious problem that must be addressed. The report shows that while 27 percent of Americans said they trust their state government to do what is right all or most of the time, only 15 percent of Illinoisans showed the same level of trust.” “Corruption in Illinois and Chicago politics has been a comic’s one-liner for too long. This study clearly demonstrates that the toll it has taken on the health of our civic life and trust in our government is not funny,” said Michael Weiser, who chairs the National Conference on Citizenship and who was a Chicago resident for 50 years. The report reveals declining civic involvement among all ages, but with a full 77 percent of Illinois Millennials (ages 15-29) stating declining interest or involvement in civic engagement, as opposed to only 71 percent nationally. Almost half of the Millennials, the state’s future leaders, said they have little confidence in their state government. On the positive side, while Illinois citizens are disappointed in state government, they strongly support federal legislation to improve civic education in schools. This enthusiasm may reflect a desire to build a more effective and ethical government for the future. The McCormick Freedom Project and the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition have co-produced a Civic Blueprint for Illinois High Schools that serves as a guide for integrating civic education into the school curriculum. To learn more about the Civic Blueprint, visit www.FreedomProject/DemocracySchools. “We have the opportunity now to recognize an urgent problem and address it,” said Hiller. “The future of our state, our country, and our democracy depend on the active engagement of our citizens. Failing to rebuild trust and encourage the people of Illinois to become involved in their government may have profound ramifications for the future. The good news is—the problem can be solved, and our state can renew itself and emerge from this crisis of trust. These findings underscore the necessity of making the political reforms that will rebuild trust and engage all of our citizens, particularly our young people.” About the McCormick Foundation The McCormick Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in our children, communities and country. Through its grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, museums, and civic outreach program the Foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charities, with more than $1 billion in assets. For more information, please visit www.McCormickFoundation.org. About the McCormick Freedom Project The McCormick Freedom Project, formerly the McCormick Freedom Museum, enables informed participation in our democracy by demonstrating the relevance of the First Amendment and the role it plays in the ongoing struggle to define and defend freedom. Through extensive outreach initiatives our audiences improve their understanding of the First Amendment and its importance to our democracy, engage in civic dialogue, and prepare for their role as citizens. The McCormick Freedom Project is part of the McCormick Foundation. To learn more about the Freedom Project’s new outreach program visit FreedomProject.US. About The National Conference on Citizenship Founded in 1946 and Chartered by Congress in 1953, the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is a leader in strengthening our nation’s civic life. In partnership with over 250 organizations, NCoC tracks, measures and promotes civic participation. Through this work, NCoC helps define modern citizenship in America. More information can be found at http://www.ncoc.net.