The good things in life do not emanate from Madison or D.C. Report: For a New Civil Society September 12, 2022 By Eloise Anderson The good things in life in this democracy — opportunity, fulfillment, upward mobility, prosperity, the redounding energy and succor that comes from free association, love of relatives and friends — do not emanate from Madison or D.C. They come from the private sector, from family and from civil society — that space between the individual and government. Churches, clubs, community associations, private schools, charities — these are the so-called mediating institutions of civil society that foster social connections, friendship, participation, dignity, belonging and ultimately the advancement and support that comes from communal bonds. They are essential spaces for the growth of character, for acts of kindness, for development of trust — for the altruism that drives Wisconsinites to help each other when they see a need. Unfortunately, the fundamental pillars of civil society are eroding. From 1974 to 2018, the share of adults who reported spending an evening with a neighbor at least several times a month dropped from 44% to 29%. From 1972 to 2018, the share of adults who reported attending religious services once a month or more dropped from 57% to 42%. Membership in fraternal organizations has plummeted. The share of Americans who have never attended any sort of club meeting increased from two-thirds in the late 1990s to three-fourths in the late 2000s. Eloise Anderson, one of the most thoughtful and experienced researchers on the issues of civil society and the family — and someone who has worked extensively within government but also knows the great value of what happens outside it — offers guidance for how Wisconsin can grow to value and engage in civil society once more. Read the Full Report Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Invest in the Badger Institute For 35 years, the Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), has been at the forefront of the fight for school choice, right to work, welfare reform, tax restructuring, limited government, civil society and so much more. If you appreciate the Institute’s legacy and want to support free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating $35, $350 or $3,500 today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles for the next 35 years – and beyond! The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Support Freedom Let the experts at the Badger Institute bring a policy talk on topics such as student loan forgiveness, unemployment compensation, school choice and more to your local group or meeting. If you’re interested in a presentation or a speaker, contact Michael Jahr, Vice President of Communications, at [email protected]. Request a Speaker   Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!