Originally posted on Community Impact Newspaper
October 30, 2013
The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life recently produced the Texas Civic Health Index, the first-ever nonpartisan, statewide evaluation of political and community engagement in Texas. What we found was quite alarming. In comparison to the rest of the country, Texas consistently ranks at the bottom in rates of political participation, community involvement, and social connectedness. DID YOU KNOW? In 2010, Texas ranked 48th in the number of citizens who contacted public officials, 44th in the number of people who discuss politics, and dead last in voter turnout among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. We can do better. The inaugural Texas Conference on Civic Life will bring together citizens from around the state and across partisan aisles to discuss the future of civic life and how we can work together toward greater civic health. With the help of nationally renowned experts, scholars, and concerned citizens, we will put our crisis in context and explore the innovative methods and tools we can use to engage, activate, and inspire. Join us November 9, 2013 from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. CONFERENCE SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Dr. Lance Bennett, Center for Communication and Engagement Dr. Peter Levine, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Ilir Zherka, National Conference on Citizenship Evan Smith, Texas Tribune Ann Beeson, Center for Public Policy Priorities Chuck DeVore, Texas Public Policy Foundation Dr. Sylvia Manzano, Latino Decisions Keya Dannenbaum, ElectNext Pre-registration is required and seats are limited. Please register at ~1@BODYURL[id=114jbcurl873]@