As the 21st century continues to unfold around us, many communities across the U.S. are seeking new and innovative solutions to deal with the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world. Understanding the need to develop creative ways to unleash the citizen sector as a tool to drive change, NCoC has launched a new infographic tool to help communities raise greater awareness on the importance of civic health.

The customized infographic highlights the key indicators of civic health in a simple and easy to understand format. Supported by this “scorecard,” communities can host local conversations on the findings and develop civic renewal strategies and policy recommendations.

As this civic health data is increasingly a part of the dialogue around which policymakers, communities, and the media talk about civic life, expansion opportunities exist to help local communities assess their civic vitality and compare their data to other communities across the nation. For several years, NCoC has worked in partnership with institutions across the country to produce customized Civic Health Index reports. To complement and expand this work, NCoC is now recruiting State and Local Partners for 2011 to use the Community Conversations as integral part of their local efforts.

Are you interested in joining our coalition of state and local Civic Health Index partners through a report or a Community Conversation?

So far, Indiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have agreed to join our growing national coalition of partners who are producing and releasing Civic Health Index reports. By joining this coalition, you too can help policymakers, business leaders, and civic leaders in their quest to drive civic, social, and economic progress.

More on how to bring the Community Conversations Toolkit to your local community, as well as on how to join our 2011 CHI report partners, is available for download at right.

For more information, please contact David B. Smith.