Ohio's elected and appointed leaders are making changes that directly impact civic engagement and the ability of citizens to engage effectively in communities. Three recent changes are particularly noteworthy and will affect the broad citizenry in different ways. These changes include legislation and policies creating more transparent voting procedures, coordinating statewide service efforts, and incorporating service–learning and family engagement throughout Ohio's K–12 education system.

First, Ohio has sought to assess and improve its voting system in the hopes of increasing the transparency and effectiveness of state elections. The state initiated a $1.9 million research project called Project EVEREST to analyze the integrity of Ohio's election system. After two teams of corporate and academic scientists released evaluative reports in 2007, a bipartisan team of election board ofcials began working with Ohio's Secretary of State to mitigate problems in the voting process. 10 The Secretary of State also organized forums and discussions about the voting system on college campuses across the state during 2008. 11 In the fall of 2008, the Ohio State Legislature enacted HB 350, which included many election modications, ranging from requiring state voting machines to meet updated federal standards to permitting the Ohio Secretary of State to issue permanent or temporary directives affecting election procedures. 12

Second, the State of Ohio has created a council to coordinate and foster volunteerism. The Ohio Community Service Council serves as the hub for statewide service efforts. The Community Service Council administers federal grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to support programs such as Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. On June 24, 2010, CNCS awarded Ohio $7 million for AmeriCorps programs addressing education, the environment, and many other issues within the state. 13 In addition to administering grants, the Ohio Community Service Council also organizes a series of national service days and provides updated resources on volunteering opportunities and relevant legislation to Ohio residents.

Finally, the Ohio legislature recently passed new legislation that will affect civic education and service–learning opportunities in the state's public schools. Last year, legislators passed House Bill 1 (HB 1), a large educational reform bill that will affect many areas of K–12 education. Although Ohio plans to adopt the Common Core Standards, a curriculum used by 25 states nationwide, all Ohio students will continue to take the Ohio Graduation Test, which includes a section on Economics, Government, and Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities. 14 The new legislation also has an impact on community service. School districts are now permitted to include service in their educational programs, and the State Superintendent plans to “develop guidelines for a scoring rubric for school ofcials to use to evaluate community service projects.” 15 Under these new rules, students may receive official recognition or certication for service–learning work.

Ohio also has taken steps to integrate the civic engagement of parents into public schools across the state. HB 1 also requires school districts to create and support Family and Civic Engagement teams. 16 These Family and Civic Engagement teams aim to engage stakeholders, particularly parents of K–12 students, in local ongoing efforts to improve schools. All school districts will have Family and Civic Engagement programs in place heading into the 2010–2011 school year working to strengthen connections among schools, parents, and local communities.

Together these three initiatives relate to each finding of this Report . Translating voting procedures into individual voting efcacy is an important aspect of voter education and civic leadership. Using volunteers to meet community needs clearly relates to the creation of a central service hub in the state through the Ohio Community Service Council. Passing HB 1 enhances civic education in K–12. While these are useful steps, more still needs to be done: we need to address Service–Learning in higher education; we need to improve civic education at all levels to ensure an informed public; and we need to enhance opportunities for everyone to participate in the life of their communities. There are still opportunities for Ohioans to work on these problems together.