Former Indiana Congressman Lee H. Hamilton and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard to lead discussion aimed at increasing regional awareness of state’s civic health

Indiana University Northwest, serving as a project partner of the Indiana Civic Health Index (INCHI), invites the campus and Northwest Indiana community to participate in a discussion regarding the civic health of Indiana, and specifically of the region.

INCHI co-chairs, former Indiana Congressman Lee H. Hamilton and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, will lead the discussion from 10 until 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium, located in the Savannah Center.

The civic health report, released on September 14, was the first comprehensive study of how engaged Hoosiers are in their communities. According to the report, Indiana ranked 48th among states in voter turnout, with a rate of 39.4 percent, six points lower than the national average of 45.5 percent.

Congressman Hamilton and Chief Justice Shepard will present additional INCHI findings and join members of the IU Northwest community, and of the region, in a discussion about what can be done locally in response to the report.

As part of IU Northwest’s commitment to civic and community-based engagement, there will also be a discussion on ways the campus can redouble its commitment to being a full, active partner in advancing a healthy civic life in Northwest Indiana.

The Indiana Civic Health Index is drawn from data in the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. The Indiana report is sponsored by the Indiana Bar Foundation, IU Northwest and the Hoosier State Press Association, working in conjunction with the National Conference on Citizenship, a nonpartisan, congressionally chartered organization that tracks and promotes civic and political participation, supports history and civics education, and encourages community and national service.

A copy of the Indiana Civic Health Index report can be found for download here.

The Savannah Center is located at the southeast corner of the main campus parking lot at 33rd Avenue and Broadway in Gary.