Civic health is the durable, society-level capacity for collective self-governance. It is enabled by norms of mutual respect and public-spirited responsibility, by legitimate and adaptive civic spaces and institutions, and by practices that bridge across differences; it is expressed in equitable civic participation that leads to a widely shared sense of trust and belonging that bolsters freedom.
Governments exist to help people solve shared problems, yet our collective understanding in these institutions and sense of common purpose are weakening. Still, research shows most Americans are committed to strengthening civic health: the values, relationships and actions that support institutions, build trust and enable collective progress.
The University of Washington shares this commitment. We aim to strengthen civic health starting in Washington and expanding nationally and globally. Our work is essential in this pivotal moment.
