Across Indiana, business leaders recognize that our state is a better place to be when Hoosiers know, care about, and are invested in how our government works at every level.
Unfortunately, when it comes to even basic metrics of civic engagement, we’re struggling. The 2021 Indiana Civic Health Index ranks our state among the bottom nationally in both voter registration and voter turnout. Nationwide, less than a third of Americans can name all three branches of the federal government.
To help address this critical issue, Business for America, a national nonprofit and nonpartisan organization with expertise in this area, has stepped in to lead the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics, operating under the umbrella of the recently announced Indiana Civics Coalition.
The Indiana Business Alliance for Civics (IBAC) exists to help every Hoosier business — from large corporations to small businesses and solo entrepreneurs — increase civic engagement and improve civic education amongst their workforce and within the communities they serve.
The IBAC is nonpartisan, non-political, and free for any Indiana business, chamber of commerce, or trade association to join, regardless of size. Its members receive assistance and support in three key areas:
The Role of Business. Business leaders can play an essential role in addressing Indiana’s civic education gap by stepping outside the partisan fray and promoting constructive bipartisan dialogue. In April 2023, BFA | Indiana co-hosted the Indiana Bar Foundation Civics Summit, including national, regional, state, and local leaders to discuss ways for business to play a role in elevating civic literacy in the Hoosier State. Read some local coverage of the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics and BFA's role in Governing.com.
The following companies have committed to participate in the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics.
Cummins
Dauby O'Connor & Zaleski
Elanco
Eli Lilly and Company
Emmis Communications
Hotel Tango Distillery
NEXT Studios
Powers & Sons
RecycleForce
Salesforce
The following business organizations are partners of the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics.
Contact BFA’s Indiana State Director Nathan Gotsch.