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About the Texas Civic Health Index

The Annette Strauss Institute is excited to announce the release of the Texas Civic Health Index, produced in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC).

As civic health data becomes an increasing part of the dialogue around which policymakers, communities, and the media talk about civic life, the index is increasing in its scope and specificity to the state, city, and demographic levels.

NCoC engages a number of partners in creation of the national, state, and city Civic Health Index reports including the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University, Civic Enterprises, and Harvard University’s Saguaro Seminar, as well as members of a Civic Indicators Working Group.

Data for the Index are obtained from U.S. Census Bureau surveys that ask citizens about their political participation (such as voting and contacting public officials), civic involvement (such as donating, volunteering, or belonging to organized groups) and their social connectedness (such as dining with family regularly and exchanging favors with neighbors). Twenty other states, including Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, New York and California, have created these data-driven reports (see https://ncoc.net/states).

Take Action!

  • Share the report with friends and colleagues.
  • Join the conversation on Twitter at @astraussinst #txciviclife.
  • Sample Tweets:
    • Is there an undiagnosed crisis of civic health in TX? https://bit.ly/17ki1i2 Share your thoughts at #txciviclife
    • First-ever civic health report released in Texas. https://bit.ly/17ki1i2
    • Let’s get crackin’ Texas.  Share your ideas at #txciviclife
    • Rates of civic and political engagement are low in Texas. https://bit.ly/17ki1i2 Join the conversation and share your ideas #txciviclife
  • Learn more about the report and its media coverage.
  • Post civic life graphics as your wall or profile picture on Facebook and encourage your friends to get involved.
  • E-mail  txcivichealth@austin.utexas.edu or call (512) 471-1959 with your comments, questions, thoughts, and ideas.