Leadership Ohio launches Ohio Civic Health Index
Leadership Ohio announces the release of the Ohio Civic Health Index, a new statewide report designed to measure and strengthen the civic foundations that drive economic competitiveness, community vibrancy and long-term leadership capacity across Ohio.
The Ohio Civic Health Index examines the real building blocks of a healthy democracy: trust, volunteerism, civic participation, local leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. Rather than focusing on partisan divides, the report recognizes civic health as a business and community imperative.
“The strength of Ohio’s future depends on its civic health,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Leadership Ohio. “The real building blocks of a thriving state are not found in Washington, D.C.; they are found in our neighborhoods, boardrooms, schools, nonprofits, and local communities. Civic health reduces friction, lowers risk, strengthens social capital, and creates the conditions for economic growth.”
The Index serves as both a baseline and a call to action: Here is where Ohio stands — and here is how we can raise the curve together.
To advance this work, Leadership Ohio will launch a series of Ohio Civic Health Forums beginning in Fall 2026. These regional forums will convene elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executives, educators, and community stakeholders to explore practical solutions for strengthening civic trust, volunteerism and local leadership.
The forums will expand Leadership Ohio’s reach beyond its flagship Signature Program and create new opportunities for statewide engagement through university partnerships, city-based collaborations, and public dialogue focused on measurable civic progress.
In addition, Leadership Ohio is opening nominations for its inaugural Ohio Civic Health Champions initiative, recognizing individuals and organizations who are actively improving civic life across the state. Champions may be found in businesses, schools, local government, philanthropy, neighborhoods, and nonprofit organizations — anywhere leadership is helping communities move forward.
“These champions remind us that civic health is not abstract; it is lived every day,” Smith said. “They are the connectors, bridge-builders, and problem-solvers helping Ohio communities thrive.”
Leadership Ohio encourages leaders across sectors to:
• Review and share the Ohio Civic Health Index
• Attend an upcoming Civic Health Forum
• Nominate outstanding Ohio Civic Health Champions.
As a statewide 501(c)(3), Leadership Ohio remains committed to developing leaders who enable communities toward positive civic progress and ensuring Ohio’s future remains strong, connected, and resilient.
For more information, to nominate a Civic Health Champion, or to subscribe for updates, visit www.leadershipohio.org.