A Civic Health Dialogue and Deliberation: Engaging Business, Nonprofit and Public Leaders

  • Post category:5.1
  • Reading time:2 mins read
PDF
By Ellen Szarleta

Abstract

Research Study Report Response Result Action ConceptImproving our understanding of the state of civic health in our nation and our communities is a critical first step to building civic and political connectedness.  Recent efforts, including those of the State of Indiana, have focused on taking the pulse of our civic activity. These efforts highlight the importance of building civic knowledge and skills for citizens, including young upcoming civic actors. However, another important group of civic actors has largely gone unexamined in this effort to advance our civic health – public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders at both the regional and state levels.

 

In this paper, we suggest that while each sector brings different qualities bring to the table, all are required to effectively advance initiatives targeting our civic health. We then describe a method for reinvigorating our civic disposition, and building regional social capital to collectively address the negative outcomes of civic health challenges.