72% Say Town Worth Investing In; 34% Expect To Be Heard

Most Americans believe their communities are worth investing in, but fewer feel they have a voice in shaping their future, according to a Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey of 6,732 U.S. adults. While 72% say their town or city is worth investing in and 60% feel hopeful about its future, only 34% believe someone would listen to their ideas for improving their community. Nearly half (49%) feel a strong responsibility to make their community better, and 46% are motivated to give back. Among those who believe their ideas would be heard, 71% feel motivated to contribute, compared with 33% of those who do not expect to be heard, highlighting a strong association between feeling heard and community involvement.

Local nonprofit organizations, community foundations and civic organizations can build on residents' interest in improving their communities by promoting volunteer opportunities, neighborhood improvement initiatives and ways for individuals to participate in local projects. Campaigns that invite residents to share ideas, recognize community contributions and demonstrate how participation makes a difference may resonate with people who want to contribute but question whether their voices matter.