Civic Index

From the National Civic League

The Civic Index is a self-assessment tool for measuring a community's civic capital - the formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities that communities use to make decisions and solve problems. You can use this tool in a small group - with partners, community members or others to spark conversation about community strengths and areas in need of improvement.
The Health Collaborative is using the Civic Index to help us better understand the civic strengths and challenges in the Dan River Region. Your responses will help us prioritize areas of opportunity so that we can work together to develop strategies for improving our region's civic health.
1.Which part of the region are you thinking about as you answer these questions? It can be the community where you live or where you work.
Choose the response that best reflects your rating for each factor. Consider the full diversity of the community, not just those you usually engage.
2.Engaged Residents
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We have many resident-initiated and resident-led community/neighborhood organizations and activities.
In community meetings, people tend to work collaboratively to solve problems; instead of being critical and confrontational.
Neighborhood councils and community groups reflect the community's diversity and regularly work with city officials to provide input into decision-making.
It is easy to find residents to serve on local boards and commission, or run for office.
3.Inclusive Community Leadership
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We have a wealth of trusted, respected leaders across all sectors and levels.
We have programs to develop leaders from all backgrounds, ages and sectors; especially those from traditionally marginalized communities.
Local leaders work together to build consensus, and set aside their own ego to focus on getting things done for the whole community.
Leaders and community members face challenges head-on, instead of ignoring tough conversations or decisions.
Government advisory boards, commissioners reflect the full diversity of the community and exercise real decision-making power.
4.Collaborative Institutions
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We work with other communities to address local and regional challenges.
Local government, nonprofits, philanthropies, schools, civic associations and businesses collaborate effectively to solve community problems.
We have many trusted organizations that bring people together to resolve pressing conflicts and challenges.
We have regular, established opportunities for information-sharing and decision-making across various sectors.
5.Embracing Diversity, Equity
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
Services and opportunities are provided equitably to all groups and neighborhoods.
We have policies to fight discrimination in all forms.
Immigrants, new residents and under-represented groups actively participate in community events and discussions.
We honor, value, and highlight the contributions of the community's full diversity in our public spaces.
We are taking ongoing steps to discuss, learn about, and help address historical barriers to participation, inclusion, and employment.
6.Authentic Communication
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We have many trusted, civic-minded sources of information and news in the community.
Local government and other groups provide information in the languages that people speak and in ways that are culturally appropriate.
There are many ways to communicate with and get information from government (i.e. 311, social media, text, local events, etc)
We have authentic two-way communications between members of the community, the government and other institutions.
7.Culture of Engagement
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We have a culture of engagement; we expect our government and other institutions to engage the full community to guide decision-making.
Government agencies, nonprofits and other institutions work to learn from residents and other stakeholders before creating new programs.
We make an extra effort to ensure traditionally underrepresented groups are engaged as part of community decision-making.
Government, nonprofits and other groups engage people in accessible, comfortable or familiar locations, and at convenient times for residents.
Local government and others engage community members in an ongoing fashion, not just when they need buy-in or quick feedback.
We have formal discussions about difficult issues like race, immigration, drug addiction, etc.
8.Shared Vision and Values
We don't have this
This is a challenge for us
This is a moderate strength
This is a real strength
We have a strong sense of attachment to, and pride in, our neighborhoods and community.
Our community strategic planning efforts include the full diversity of the community to help identify a common vision.
People have a clear sense of what makes the community unique and a shared vision for what we want to become in the future.
Local government and nonprofit actions clearly align with the community's shared vision.
9.Civic Capital Score (Add up the number of times you chose 'this is a moderate strength' or 'this is a real strength'. The combined total will give you your civic capital score)
According to your civic capital score, civic health in your community is:
Exceptional .............. 32-27
Strong ...................... 26-20
Average .................... 19-13
Limited ..................... 12-6
Needs Improvement.. 5-0