The U.S. economy has passed through one of the longest and most impressive booms in its history. We are enjoying our highest standard of living ever, buoyed by low crime and an improving environment. Still, we worry that, in other important ways, we're losing ground as a society. In particular, social commentators are bemoaning the state of our communities. Is our civic engagement declining even amidst material well-being? Do we no longer join together, care about each other, and trust one another as we once did? Everett Carll Ladd, a political scientist who directs the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, uses a vast array of data to offer a definitive report on the state of America's civic life. He shows that, far from withering, civic life is thriving. Participation in community affairs has dramatically increased. You might be surprised, considering most media portrayals, to learn that: The national PTA has declined, but overall parent-teacher involvement has soared, and more parents report spending more time than ever with their kids' schooling. The Sierra Club and Audubon Society have grown fourfold since 1970. A rich variety of new community churches find their membership burgeoning. Despite the decline of mainline denominations, more people attend church now than ever before. Levels of charitable giving have been climbing steadily in real terms for more than a half century. Volunteer rates are up significantly. For all the time-squeeze on two-wage-earner families and the allure of television sitcoms, a record number of Americans now do volunteer work. If you are wondering how to organize your own community, or how you can pitch in, or simply want to know what all the doomsayers are talking about, then The Ladd Report is for you. Here is an essential guide that will answer every argument and remind us all how right Tocqueville was when he described America as a "nation of joiners." Read Less