At the Institute, we echo Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller’s belief that “every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.” With this guiding principle, we are proud to introduce Civic Arkansas, a collaborative initiative to improve Arkansas’s civic health, with a focus on building pathways for connectedness and strengthening local communities.
Civic Arkansas was launched in response to the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index Report, which captures the current state of civic health in Arkansas and assesses various aspects of civic participation, including voting, volunteerism, community involvement, news sources, and charitable giving. The Institute partnered with several organizations, including the Clinton School of Public Service, to create the report. Following its launch, the Institute recognized the need for action beyond the report.
Listening to Arkansans
While the Arkansas Civic Health Index Report is an invaluable resource, we wanted to hear directly from as many local communities as possible to learn more about their barriers, experiences, and hopes for civic engagement. In May 2024, we began working toward that goal.
These 90-minute, Rockefeller Ethic-guided sessions involved hands-on activities and both small- and large-group discussions, allowing participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas for improving civic life in their communities. In the fall of 2024, we also began our collegiate listening sessions focused on understanding the perspectives of college students. Over seven months, we visited 22 communities and colleges, conducting 28 listening sessions in partnership with community and university leaders.
From these sessions, three key themes emerged:
There is a strong need for more trusted, localized news sources throughout the state and a central place to find local information.
There is a desire for more civic learning and skill-building opportunities, especially in understanding the roles and responsibilities of local government.
There is a desire for more intentional spaces where people can connect and engage within their communities.
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