The Case for Civic Advance in Florida

Florida ranks among the lowest states in terms of engaging in civic practices ranging from: 50th in nation in volunteering among 50 states and DC (2015); 49th in belonging to a civic organization (2013); 51st in donating to charity (2015); 51st in helping neighbors fix a community problem (2015); and 50th attending public meetings (2015).  With the daily arrival of more than 900 new Floridians (half from within the U.S. and half from other countries), our civic infrastructure needs attention and resources to effectively engage our current citizens and to integrate new arrivals into active participation in the civic life of our communities. 

Created in 2015, the Florida Civic Advance seeks to dramatically improve Florida’s civic rankings and improve civic life by increasing citizen engagement in making communities work together and prosper. In 2021 it became a nonprofit membership network of civic leaders, private, public, nonprofit organizations, and statewide associations that connect leaders, institutions and organizations in order to leverage practical tools to advance civic life and engagement in Florida’s communities.