Takeaways from Tallahassee — Creating civic connections
Takeaways from Tallahassee — Creating civic connections Florida Civic Advance’s latest report on the state’s…
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Advancing
Civic Connections
in Florida’s Communities
The Florida Civic Advance, Inc. (FCA) is a nonprofit membership network that is committed to working together across sectors to improve the civic health of Florida‘s communities.
Introducing the Civic Matters Series
The Civic Matters Series is our comprehensive analysis of civic participation across Florida. This report series provides a look at where Florida stands in civic engagement, from volunteering and charitable giving to public meeting attendance and community action.
Drawing from 15 years of Census Bureau data (2008-2023), the first edition of Civic Matters offers both a reality check and a roadmap for transformation. It compares Florida’s civic health to national averages and the most engaged states, revealing critical gaps while identifying practical opportunities to build stronger, more connected communities.
The Civic Matters Series is a call to action for residents, elected officials, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to join together in reshaping Florida’s civic future.
“Civic engagement is the heartbeat of a thriving community.”
Sandi Vidal, Vice President of Community Strategies and Initiatives, Central Florida Foundation
“As leaders, it is our responsibility to create inclusive spaces, build trust, and empower every resident to take part in shaping our shared future.”
Mayor John Dailey, Tallahassee
“The health of our civil society depends critically on the informed participation of citizens.”
Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO, Florida Nonprofit Alliance
“Now is the time to move from reflection to collective action.”
Agatha Caraballo, PhD, Founding Director, Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership,
Florida International University
“I love the focus on strengthening social networks and (re)investing in local journalism as a solution to increasing civic engagement.”
Daniel Gibson, Purpose Built Communities
“This meticulously researched report draws on a wide range of data sources to gauge Florida’s civic health.”
Matt Leighninger, Director, Center for Democracy Innovation, National Civic League
Florida Ranks Among the Lowest States in Civic Engagement:
0
th
In Volunteering
0
th
in Charitable Giving
0
th
in Talking With Friends and Family
0
th
in Public Meeting Attendance
0
nd
in Collective Community Action
0
th
in Local Election Turnout
How FCA is Working to Improve Civic Health
Florida Civic Advance is leading a statewide movement to transform our civic culture
through three strategic pillars:
through three strategic pillars:
Rebuilding trust — and spurring civic engagement — requires authentic relationships and is not driven by external timelines like project plans and election cycles.
Comprehensive Civic Education for All
A robust civic education from an early age, K-12 through adulthood could assure the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate civic processes, understand policy issues, and advocate effectively.
Ensure Access to Accurate Information
There are numerous barriers that need to be overcome to assure that residents and organizations have the information needed to be effective participants in civic life.
It is time to take both the civic opportunity and our civic responsibility seriously.
Civic Health News Across Florida
Florida Lags Far Behind in Civic, Volunteer Work
Florida Lags Far Behind in Civic, Volunteer Work Sarasota’s rapid growth is bringing both opportunities…
Study shows Floridians are not civic minded. That needs to change.
Study shows Floridians are not civic minded. That needs to change. Civic awareness in Florida…