Indiana Civic Education Coalition
Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker and U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton announced plans April 19 for the Civic Health Index, an assessment of Indiana's civic knowledge and engagement. Partners with the Indiana Bar Foundation in the Index are the Hoosier State Press Association Foundation, Indiana University - Northwest and the National Conference on Citizenship.
The Index focuses attention on the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry. It will assess who participates in community activities such as voting and volunteerism, what resources promote civic engagement and what obstacles prevent citizens from getting more involved in community activities and decision-making.
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Justice Steven David, Rep. Lee Hamilton, Justice Robert Rucker (from left) at the announcement of the Civics Health Index.
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Justice Rucker said,"We are lacking when it comes to assessing our own civic health." He indicated that we must have "citizens knowledgeable of all aspects of government, especially our courts" and have programs to improve our civic health.He cited several projects the Indiana Supreme Court has to improve students' knowledge of the courts.
"There is a lot that Americans don't understand about their government," stated Hamilton. "The Civic Health Index will help us focus on what must be done to improve people's civic knowledge and skills. Our nation's success depends on citizens' ability and willingness to participate constructively in the dialogue of democracy."
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Indiana Supreme Court Justice Rucker (left photo): "Citizens must be knowledgeable in all aspects of civic health, especially our courts."
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Rep. Hamilton (right photo): "There is a lot Americans don't understand about their government. This Index will give us a good indication of what is working in Indiana and what we need to improve on with respect to civic education."
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Go to the Court's web site to watch video of the press conference for Hamilton's and Rucker's comments.
