The term civic engagement can be used to describe diverse activities and generally includes activities that build on the collective resources, skills, expertise, and knowledge of citizens to improve the quality of life in communities . 5 Civic engagement is traditionally difcult to dene with its multiple facets. Civic engagement is, in essence, the common thread of participating in and building one's community. For example, civic engagement includes political and non–political behaviors, both group–oriented (activities like participating in community groups) and individual (activities like registering to vote and voting). Many of the common forms of civic engagement are outlined in this Report.

Social connectedness is a signicant factor in the civic health of a community. We use Robert Putnam's concept of social capital to understand social connectedness and its relationship to the behaviors that mark civic engagement. Social networks have value, and “social capital refers to connections among individuals—social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them.” Examining the relationship between connectedness and civic health allows us to understand better “the ways in which our lives are made more productive by social ties.” 6 Social capital and connectedness may have additional implications important to mention in regard to this Report . Luke Keele (2007) broadens the connections between social capital and civic life to include the perceptions individuals have about trust in government. Keele argues, “When citizens disengage from civic life and its lessons of social reciprocity, they are unable to trust the institutions that govern political life.” 7 This notion impacts their interests and ability to engage not only within Ohio's communities but within the political systems and institutions that guide daily life as well.

Putnam describes two kinds of social capital: bridging capital and bonding capital. Bridging capital works best for creating “linkage to external assets and for information diffusion,” allowing people to come together across group boundaries. Bonding capital works best for “undergirding specic reciprocity and mobilizing solidarity,” fostering cohesion within group boundaries. Both bridging and bonding capital represent two ways that Americans nd a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging has a clear relationship to civic engagement. Living for a longer period of time in a community, for example, correlates positively with volunteering. The Corporation for National and Community Service has measured the relationship between homeownership and volunteering because owning a home tends to signify a personal and financial interest and commitment to the success and civic health of the community. 9 Home ownership rates have declined in Ohio, from a ten–year high in 2005 at 73.3% to 70.5% in 2008. The recession and the foreclosure crisis could potentially have a profound effect on Ohioans' sense of rootedness and belonging and, thus, on their community and civic participation.

Because social capital, like civic engagement, has both individual and collective dimensions, the 2010 Ohio Civic Health Index Report identies the behaviors of civic engagement that both depend on and create social capital. In understanding our civic health, we can build on our strengths and identify any weaknesses that stand as barriers to working for a better Ohio.