Everyday Democracy believes we can create more vibrant and resilient communities by participating in civic life. Learning about national and local issues through newspapers and other media, donating to charity, voting in a local election, participating in faith-based community service activities – these are just some of the ways we engage with our community. They are also indicators of “civic health” - a measure of the wellbeing of a nation, state, or community that takes into account the depth of people’s engagement in local social and political life. Communities with better civic health tend to have higher community satisfaction rates, lower unemployment rates, and greater economic resilience.
These resources and stories come from our work in civic engagement, and it is our hope that they will inspire you become more connected to your own community. They include civic lesson plans and scorecards and community research that measure civic health.
Everyday Democracy is committed to specific civic engagement initiatives in the state of Connecticut. Read more about our work with the Connecticut Civic Health Project and Connecticut Civic Ambassador Program here.