We define civic health as 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, belonging, and freedom.
A healthy civic society is vital in a diverse nation like ours. 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.
