Advancing Communities of Learning: A Collaborative Project between Local Universities, Funding Agencies, and Nonprofits to Develop a Subsidized Senior-Transportation Plan

The growing population of seniors in the United States poses both interesting and challenging transportation policy issues that demand research on alternatives to current transportation systems. This study was motivated by a local foundation’s interest in senior quality-of-life issues in the communities served. The aim of this study was to assess senior transportation needs and systems as a means to move policy makers and funders closer to providing high-quality senior transportation services. The localized nature of senior transportation needs is best examined as a case study. In this article, one mid-sized Indiana community is examined using focus group interviews and individual surveys of senior citizens. In addition, a survey of the literature on senior-transportation models provided critical information relevant to formulating best-practice recommendations for community-level senior-transportation systems. To design effective senior-transportation systems, five critical factors are evaluated. Finally, the article presents a case study highlighting the importance of multisector collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with critical senior-transportation issues in upcoming decades

2021 Indiana Civic Health Index

This fifth edition of the Indiana Bar Foundation's Indiana Civic Health Index (INCHI) takes stock of Indiana's successes and shortcomings during the past decade and defines action steps to ensure Indiana becomes a national leader in civic health. In this latest INCHI we examine three election cycles – six elections during 10 years – and analyze trends during that time. The insights gained by examining Hoosiers' participation in civic life from 2010 to the present will inform and inspire citizens and leaders alike to build a culture of civic engagement enhancing our economic, social, and political well-being.Building on the recommendations outlined in the 2019 Indiana Civic Health Index, section one of the report details progress in advancing civic education in schools and promoting citizen participation in the election process, two goals that are profoundly intertwined. Studies show a consistent and robust relationship between school experiences with voting education and civic participation later in life. As cornerstones of representative democracy, civic education and participation are crucial to advancing our civic health.The second section of the report continues the review of Indiana's performance on an array of civic health indicators. Drawing on earlier analyses and incorporating the newest data, we examine ten years (2010-2020) of Indiana's civic activity, identifying areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement. We hope this unique overview will further stimulate discussion and inspire a renewed commitment to advancing our civic health.  Strengthening Hoosiers' civic health will require a concerted effort of all stakeholders interested in supporting citizen participation in its many forms; the result will be a more vibrant, successful, and engaged Indiana and nation

Advancing Communities of Practice: A Collaborative Project between Local Universities, Funding Agencies and Nonprofits to Develop a Senior Subsidized Transportation Plan

The growing population of seniors in the United States poses both interesting and challenging transportation policy issues that demand research on alternatives to current transportation systems. The study was motivated by a local foundation’s interest in senior quality of life issues in the communities served. The aim of this study was to assess senior transportation needs and systems as a means to move policy makers and funders closer to providing high-quality senior transportation services. The localized nature of senior transportation needs is best examined as case study. In this article, one mid-sized Indiana community is examined using focus group interviews and individual surveys of senior citizens. In addition, a survey of the literature on senior transportation models provided critical information relevant to formulating best-practice recommendations for community-level senior transportation systems. In order to design effective senior transportation systems it is important to evaluate five critical factors. Finally, The case study presented highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with critical senior transportation issues in upcoming decades