America's Founding Fathers understood that the success of our republic would depend on our citizens' civic knowledge and participation. Indeed, the original impetus for public schooling was to teach young people about their rights, responsibilities and competencies as citizens. Now comes news that more than our democratic system relies on civic education: Our economy may as well.

According to a recent study by the congressionally chartered National Conference on Citizenship, there is a strong correlation between civic engagement and unemployment. In recent years, unemployment has risen less in states and cities where more people volunteer, register to vote, attend public meetings, and work with neighbors to address community challenges. For every percentage point increase in people who attend public meetings, the study found nearly a quarter percentage point decrease in unemployment. For every percentage point climb in volunteerism, unemployment dipped nearly a fifth of a percentage point.

Importance of volunteering

Such trends are borne out at the state level. Eight of the 11 states with the highest volunteering rates at the outset of the financial crisis — Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota and Vermont — experienced among the smallest rises in unemployment. Seven of the 10 states with the lowest volunteering rates — Arizona, California, Alabama, Florida, Nevada, Rhode Island and Delaware — experienced among the highest increases in unemployment.

These statistics are striking, but not surprising. Sixty percent of volunteers believe that community service increases their odds of finding a job, and they're right. Citizens engaged in their communities have more opportunities to build the networks needed to secure employment. Similarly, communities with higher voter turnout are more likely to elect leaders who pursue policies that reflect local economic needs.

The Census Bureau has wisely expanded its tracking of civic engagement. Last month, the bureau issued a mix of good and bad news.

Downturn in participation

While nearly 60% of Americans are registered to vote, almost three in four never or rarely discuss politics. While nearly 70% of young people talk with friends and family on the Internet numerous times a week, only about a third talk with their neighbors as frequently. And while most Americans participate in their communities in some form, only one in four volunteer. Even more troubling are reports that nearly three-quarters of Americans have reduced their civic participation in the recent downturn. This bodes a vicious cycle — whereby dwindling civic engagement is exacerbated by, and contributes to, our economic hardships.

For the sake of our democracy and our economy, it is time for America to reinvest in civics. The connection between civic learning and economic success begins early in life, but civics has all but vanished from the public school curriculum. On the last nationwide civics assessment test, two-thirds of students scored below proficiency. government leaders should work together to improve civics instruction and extracurricular community service activities. Award programs honoring students and schools for contributions to their communities can help put us on the right path.

The secret to America's success is the strength of our civil society. An informed citizenry lays the foundation for not just democracy but also for an innovative, dynamic economy.