March 2012 - CDD Authors 2011 PA Civic Health Index
J. Michael Hogan and Mark Hlavacik of Penn State's Center for Democratic Deliberation are the authors of the 2011 Pennsylvania Civic Health Index. The report, based on data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau, calls for greater support for civic education and improvements in the “civic infrastructure” of the Commonwealth. Despite Pennsylvania's celebrated role as the birthplace of American democracy, the Commonwealth ranked second to last among U.S. states in the percentage of residents who said they “talked frequently about politics.” The report also found higher levels of political engagement among African Americans living in Pennsylvania than other ethnic or racial groups. The report examines a number of measures of social connectedness, community engagement, and political deliberation and action.
The report is available online here.
