Today Leadership Austin participated in the release of the Greater Austin Civic Health Index™. Using survey data, the report evaluates engagement in electoral and political processes, civic involvement, social connectedness, philanthropy, and volunteering.
“This report aims to be a conversation starter on Civic Health in the Greater Austin Area,” says Dr. David Springer, Director of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service. “Central Texas is growing rapidly. In order to ensure that Greater Austin remains connected to and representative of its residents, it is essential that we encourage civic engagement and that we create opportunities for residents to interact with their neighbors and their communities.”
The report finds:
- Voter turnout in the Greater Austin area has remained relatively high at 62% — Texas was 55%.
- Residents stay informed about community issues with 69% reporting awareness of key issues.
- Over two-thirds residents report that they give $100 or more to charitable organizations.
- Rates of volunteering have slightly decreased in the last 10 years.
- Residents feel things in common with their neighbors, with 65% reporting strong similarities.
When levels of political participation, civic involvement, and social connectedness are relatively high, a region enjoys the widespread benefits of civic health such as higher employment rates, stronger schools, better physical health, and more responsive governments. Join in the conversations by:
- Reading the report
- Watching this Engage Breakfast discussion
- Completing a self assessment of your participation, civic involvement and social connectedness
- Exploring the gaps that may exist from this self assessment and engage in those areas
The Leadership Austin Board of Directors will be using this report as a key input into our current work plans and our next strategic plan. If we can be of any service, please let us know by contacting Christopher Kennedy, ckennedy@leadershipaustin.org.
The survey findings reflect responses from data collected in August 2018 for the Austin Area Community Survey and was completed by the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas at Austin, and the National Conference on Citizenship.