Advancing Civic Connections
“This report is both a diagnostic tool and a call to action. It provides a valuable foundation for understanding where we are and where we need to go.” — Agatha Caraballo, PhD, Founding Director, Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership, Florida International University
The Civic Matters Series is Florida Civic Advance’s comprehensive analysis of civic participation across our state, providing an unprecedented look at where Florida stands in civic engagement and where we need to go.
This report examines 15 years of civic participation data (2008-2023) from the U.S. Census Bureau. It measures Florida’s civic health across four critical areas: volunteering, charitable giving, attending public meetings, and collective action.
The report compares Florida to national averages and the most civically engaged states, revealing critical gaps while identifying practical opportunities to build stronger, more connected communities where trust and collaboration can flourish.
Download the Complete Civic Matters Report
“The findings underscore the critical need to reinvigorate civic participation across all communities — particularly among youth, communities of color, and working families who are too often left behind in civic life. This report is a clarion call to strengthen civic infrastructure and expand opportunities for all people to shape the future of their communities.” – Suzanne McCormick, President, CEO, YMCA of the USA
Florida Ranks Among the Lowest States in Civic Engagement:
“In a time of crises and division, nothing is more important than improving our communities’ civic health, the precondition for a robust democracy and a functioning society. In Advancing Civic Connections, the Florida Civic Advance diagnoses the problem and calls for action.” — Peter Levine, Tufts University
One Bright Spot:
Neighbor Connections: Despite poor performance in formal civic measures, Florida shows surprising strength in neighbor connectivity, ranking near the national average in talking and spending time with neighbors.
How FCA is Working to Improve Civic Health
through three strategic pillars:
Prioritize Trust, Not Transactions
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.