New York is a large and diverse state. The state boasts a population of more than 19.5 million people and over 8 million household units found across rural, suburban, and metropolitan areas. New York has one of the largest, busiest, and most diverse metropolitan areas in the world (New York City), the largest park in the country (Adirondack Park), and an international border with Canada. From New England to the East, to Ohio and the Great Lakes to the West, to the Mid–Atlantic to the South, New York also sits at the crossroads of several important regions of the country. New Yorkers are also very diverse. About one in ve New Yorkers are foreign born, and 15.6% are Black or African American and 16.4% are Hispanic of any race. Almost 29% of New Yorkers over the age of ve speak in a language other than English at home. 1

Within New York, a range of educational and economic situations exist as well. Of New York residents 25 and over, 84.1% have graduated from high school and 31.6% have obtained a four–year college degree. An estimated 63.5% of New Yorkers aged 16 and older are in the labor force. 2 Many state residents experience poverty and living with a low income. According to a 2006–2008 estimate, 10.5% of New York families and 13.8% of all individuals live below the poverty line. 3

Economic concerns and poverty have been exacerbated during the current national recession, leading to a difficult situation for many New Yorkers. State residents face unemployment and underemployment, foreclosures, and shaken consumer confidence. In May 2010, 8.3% of New York State and 8.7% of New York City residents were unemployed. 4 In December 2009, 26% reported that their work hours had been cut in the last six months. Furthermore, many residents reported that their financial situations were being impacted by gasoline (53%) and food prices (67%). 5 The state government is also facing a serious budget crisis largely as a result of the initial economic crisis and subsequent recession. The seriousness of this State's current fiscal challenges have led to proposed and actual cuts to essential social services at a time when need for those services is escalating.

New Yorkers are resilient and are adjusting to the recession using many methods. Many report taking energy–saving measures, buying lower quality goods, and cutting back on entertainment spending. In nearly one in three households, people have sought a second job or overtime to supplement their income. 6 The New York State Consumer Confidence Index indicates low levels of consumer confidence and lower than historic average plans to make large purchases, such as furniture, a vehicle, or a home. Most recently in the third quarter of 2010, consumer confidence was down in every region of the state. 7 Consequently, many New Yorkers concerned about job security use every available dollar to address basic needs while those with additional disposable income are inclined to save and pay debt.

In this context, the need to assess civic health is great. As New York residents struggle with recent economic changes, it is important to understand the ways in which residents connect, support one another, and participate in civic life and the betterment of their communities.

Recent Siena Research Institute (SRI) research has contributed to this important assessment of civic health. The 2008 Social Capital Survey (SCS) 8 and the 2009 Community Participation and Involvement Survey (CPIS) 9 examined the community participation and attitudes of New Yorkers in such areas as volunteerism and charitable donations, group membership and attendance, social connectedness, and trust in neighbors and institutions. The 2009 Social Needs Survey (SNS) 10 polled Capital Region residents on their perception of the quality of life in the region and how many people experience problems in areas such as availability of affordable housing, paying for home utilities, and access to health care.

These three surveys found that New Yorkers are generally connected to their neighbors and community members, and most keep up with local issues. In the Capital Region, about half of respondents expressed concern for deteriorating conditions in the last year and for the growing need for assistance for struggling individuals and families. However, Capital Region residents believe that they are not helping to their full capacity. 11 According to the New York Civic Health Index 2010 , many New Yorkers do not participate in groups or involve themselves in community issues. Taken together, such results indicate a potential gap between New York values and attitudes toward helping, and actual participation in some areas of civic life.

SRI is pleased to partner with the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) to produce this 2010 New York Civic Health Index. In 2006, NCoC established an important tradition of measuring national civic health according to several behavioral indicators, including participation in social and civic life, in the America's Civic Health Index. NCoC also produces smaller state and city reports in partnership with local organizations and institutions. 2010 marks the first year that New York State will join the state reports.

The New York Civic Health Index is based on 2008 and 2009 Current Population Supplements (CPS) data, which have been combined for some indicators wherever possible. This report is based on data analysis of the CPS data provided by The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) together with data analysis of multiple New York State public opinion research projects of The Siena Research Institute (SRI).