Texas civic health index
a b ou t t h e pa r t n e r s Nat ioNal CoNf er eNCe oN C i t i z eN ship At the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), we believe everyone has the power to make a difference in how their community and country thrive.
We are a dynamic, non-partisan nonprofit working at the forefront of our nations civic life. We continuously explore what shapes todays citizenry, define the evolving role of the individual in our democracy, and uncover ways to motivate greater participation. Through our events, research and reports, NCoC expands our nations contemporary understanding of what it means to be a citizen. We seek new ideas and approaches for creating greater civic health and vitality throughout the United States.
aNNe t t e s t r aus s iNs t i t u t e for C i v iC l if e Created in 2000 to respond to growing political cynicism and disaffection in the United States, the Institute is named for Annette Greenfield Strauss: former Dallas mayor, community leader, and philanthropist. Through nonpartisan research, education, and outreach, the Institute seeks to understand and overcome obstacles to civic engagement.
Above photo credit: Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Right and center cover photos credit: Daemmrich Photography
This report was produced in 2012 and released in 2013.
ta b l e of c on t e n t s Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Key Findings and Implications……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Introduction: All Eyes on Texas …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
What Is Civic Health and Why Does It Matter for Texas? ………………………………………………………………………………………5 How to Read this Report ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Political Participation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9 Civic Involvement and Social Connectedness …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14 If Everything is Bigger in Texas, Why is Our Civic Engagement So Low? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20 What Can Help? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25 What Individu
