“Every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.”
Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller
This principle is the foundation of Civic Arkansas, a statewide collaborative initiative focused on improving Arkansas’s civic health by strengthening local communities and expanding pathways for connection and engagement. By centering on Arkansans, identifying barriers to engagement, and supporting community-driven solutions, this coordinated effort can foster a stronger, more connected civic culture in the Natural State.
Civic Arkansas was launched in response to the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index Report, which assesses the current state of civic life in Arkansas. The report examines key indicators of civic participation, including:
- Voting and political participation
- Volunteerism and community involvement
- Access to news and information
- Charitable giving and civic trust
The Institute partnered with several organizations, most notably the Clinton School of Public Service, to develop this report. While the Index provides critical insight into Arkansas’s civic health, it also makes clear that data alone is not enough. Meaningful progress would require listening, learning, and action at the community level.
Listening to Arkansans
To move from research to results, Civic Arkansas prioritized direct community engagement. Beginning in May 2024, the Institute launched a series of in-person listening sessions designed to capture the lived experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Arkansans from diverse communities.
Each 90-minute session was guided by the Rockefeller Ethic and included hands-on activities, small-group conversations, and large-group discussions. Participants shared candid feedback on what helps (and hinders) civic engagement in their communities.
In Fall 2024, Civic Arkansas expanded its outreach to include collegiate listening sessions, ensuring that college students’ perspectives were also represented.
Civic Arkansas Listening Sessions at a Glance
- Partnerships with local leaders and university partners
- 22 communities and colleges visited
- 28 total listening sessions conducted
- 7 months of continuous statewide engagement
From these sessions, three key themes emerged:
Arkansans expressed a strong need for more trusted, localized news sources. Many communities also emphasized the importance of having a central, accessible hub for local information, including civic events, resources, and opportunities for involvement.
Participants highlighted a desire for expanded civic education — particularly around how local government works and how residents can effectively participate. This includes understanding roles, responsibilities, and practical ways to engage at the local level.
Communities voiced a clear need for more intentional civic spaces, both physical and virtual, where people can gather, build relationships, and engage in meaningful dialogue about shared challenges and solutions.
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