Published: Friday, December 31, 2010, 5:00 AM
By The Post–Standard Editorial Board

Are New Yorkers shirking their civic duties? That seems to be the message from the recently released New York Civic Health Index.

While the national survey showed New Yorkers are well–informed and well–connected, they fall below the national average in volunteering, charitable giving and civic participation, which includes voting and attending community meetings and other civic events.

Dr. Don Levy of the Siena College Research Institute, which produced the index, said improving New York's record “will require making civic health part of what New Yorkers do and our leaders endorse.” David B. Smith of the sponsoring National Conference on Citizenship said he hopes the index “serves as a catalyst to empower others to develop new strategies and frameworks to address the systemic challenges that lie ahead.”

Upstate New York fared a bit better than Downstate in the civic health index. But the state could use considerably more civic engagement — from one end to the other — at this time when public budgets are strained and needs are great.

Why not resolve in the new year to ramp up your own civic involvement? Here are some ways to volunteer your talents and services:

Join F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, a group dedicated to creative citizenship. Join the Onondaga Citizens League, which this year is studying ways this community can create a better first impression for visitors. For more information, visit either group's website.

Four Syracuse schools need community volunteers to help design restructuring plans. All PTSOs depend on community participation. The Syracuse City School District has a volunteer training office (call 435–4295). Get involved in your children's schools.

Join a neighborhood watch group. Call 435–3201 to be part of the more than 100 watch groups in Onondaga County. Start now by staying alert to potential problems in your community. Get more guns off the streets by calling Syracuse's anonymous tip line at 442–5300.

Central New Yorkers are great recyclers. Now, redouble your efforts to help the environment: compost, use cloth bags for your groceries, install fluorescent bulbs. Don't litter — and pick up litter where you find it. Check Onondaga County's website for exciting new ways to Save the Rain and “go green.”

Many worthy groups are eager for volunteers, including: The Samaritan Center (472–0650); The Salvation Army (475–1688); Catholic Charities (424–1800); The Rescue Mission (701–3841); Meals on Wheels (478–5948); The Disabled Veterans (425–6750 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.); Literacy Volunteers (472–0001), CASA (422–5638); Vera House (425–0818); Crouse Hospital (470–7571); University Hospital (464–5180). Find more information on these groups' websites. Or visit the United Way Volunteer Center (www.volunteer–center.org). Check out volunteer opportunities in The Post–Standard's CNY section — the next installment is due Monday.

Being a good citizen means taking responsibility for yourself and your environment. Before you complain to City Hall, think: Is there something you could do?

Pay your taxes. Keep your property in good shape. Vote. Stay informed. Become a leader. Run for office.

Supporting others could mean lending a hand, guiding a child, or simply saying “hello” and checking in on an elderly neighbor. Speak out against bigotry, violence, harassment and other behavior that corrodes community life.

Let 2011 be a year of civic renewal in Central New York — starting with you.