The Challenge. The 2021 Indiana Civic Health Index ranks Hoosiers among the bottom nationally when it comes to voter registration and turnout. For Indiana to become a more attractive place to live and work, civic education and participation metrics must improve. The Indiana Civics Coalition, led by the Indiana Bar Foundation, needs allies to help close this gap — and the business community can help.
The Indiana Business Alliance for Civics. As part of the Indiana Civics Coalition, BFA is mobilizing Indiana businesses, business groups, and individual business leaders to speak out in support of K–12 civic education, highlighting the economic reasons for investing in civic education. The alliance will:
Why Businesses Care. Research shows that many young people lack a basic understanding of government, the Bill of Rights, and the responsibilities of a citizen. Civic education produces a better informed and more engaged citizenry, which leads to a better educated workforce and stronger business climate. Continued neglect of civic education will weaken our communities, democratic institutions, and economic competitiveness.
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.
The following companies have committed to participate in the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics.