With stunning consistency, virtually every indicator of civic engagement currently available shows the same pattern of increase followed
by stagnation and decline — newspaper reading; TV news watching; attending political meetings; petition signing; running for public office; attending public meetings; serving as an officer or committee member in any local clubs or organizations; writing letters to the editor; participating in local meetings of national organizations; attending religious services; socializing informally with friends, relatives or neighbors; attending club meetings; joining unions; entertaining friends at home; participating in picnics; eating the evening meal with the whole family; going out to bars, nightclubs, discos or taverns; playing cards; sending greeting cards; attending parties; playing sports;
donating money as a percentage of income; working on
community projects; giving
blood.
and Robison, special focus will be given this year to the everyday heroes who save lives
by donating blood, bone marrow and stem cells, as well as those who volunteer as first responders in their
communities.