Colorado is consistently ranked as one of the most physically active states in the country, but are we leaders in civic health?
Earlier this month, six major Colorado civic institutions, including the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, released the Colorado Civic Health Index, a report measure how actively citizens engage in their communities through activities such as voting, volunteering, interacting with neighbors and more.
Among the findings:
- Colorado’s civic health is strong compared to the rest of the nation, but it isn’t shared equally by all Coloradans.
Compared the nation as a whole, Colorado boasts high voter turnout and frequent political discussion among friends and family, ranking in the top 10 in both areas.
However, there are significant differences in the rates of these types of civic participation between individuals living in rural versus urban communities, across ethnicities and income brackets and across different levels of educational attainment. For example, Coloradans who are white and those in households earning more than $75,000 annually vote at higher rates in both national and local elections, talk about politics with friends and family more often and more frequently contact their local officials.
- We still have that “pioneer spirit,” but we know how to circle the wagons.
The days of covered wagons and westward expansion are long gone, but Coloradans still have an independent streak. Colorado residents talk less to their neighbors. In fact, Colorado ranked 46th in the number of residents who frequently exchange favors with neighbors. Though trust is higher between neighbors in rural areas than urban and suburban areas, there is mistrust between Coloradans from different regions of the state.
Nevertheless, in true pioneer fashion, communities will collaborate to get things done for the greater good. Many Coloradans report having worked with their neighbors to fix or improve something in their community. Additionally, Coloradans have achieved higher levels of volunteerism and charitable giving than most U.S. states, ranking 12th and eighth, respectively. The business community recognizes the value of civic engagement as well; many companies encourage their employees to contribute their time, talents and energy to community issues.
How can we change our ranking? It’s up to all of us to make Colorado a leader in civic health.
- Stay informed on civic issues affecting our community. Discuss your ideas and opinions with others, especially with those whose views or backgrounds differ from yours.
- Register to vote—and then actually get out there and vote in state and local elections. Encourage friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to do the same.
- Practice inclusion by gathering diverse groups of people to address community issues.
- Give of your time, talent and treasure—and encourage your company to give back to the community as well.
To learn more about the results of Colorado’s civic health check-up or how you can become more civically engaged, view the full report here, or attend the Civic Health Summit on Sept. 23.
Danielle Mellema is a communications and marketing specialist for the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
(Photo credit: Robert S. Donovan]