INDIANAPOLIS – Earlier today, the Indiana Business Alliance for Civics (IBAC) officially launched at an event held on the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s Citizenship Plaza.
The alliance, formed in partnership between Business for America (BFA), the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and the Indiana Bar Foundation, is open to every Hoosier business, from large corporations to small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. IBAC provides tools and resources to help them increase civic engagement and improve civic education amongst their workforce and within the communities they serve.
Nathan Gotsch, Business for America’s Indiana state director, was joined at the event by Indiana Bar Foundation president and CEO Charles Dunlap, Sagamore Institute president Teresa Lubbers, Indiana Chamber of Commerce VP Brock Hesler, Eli Lilly and Company Associate VP Susan Brock Williams, and Navigate Maternity CMO Dr. Elicia Harris. Each spoke of the importance of civic engagement of employees and the business community, which is why their organizations are supporting the alliance.
The IBAC is nonpartisan, non-political, and free for any Indiana business, chamber of commerce, or trade association to join, regardless of size. Companies receive assistance and support in three key areas: 1) voter registration of employees, 2) voter education in the workplace, and 3) engaging the next generation of voters.
When it comes to even basic metrics of civic engagement, Indiana is struggling. The 2021 Indiana Civic Health Index ranks the state among the bottom nationally in both voter registration and voter turnout. Nationwide, less than a third of Americans can name all three branches of the federal government.
In response, Business for America | Indiana, the local chapter of a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization with expertise in this area, has stepped in to launch the business alliance under the umbrella of the recently announced Indiana Civics Coalition.
“Our nonpartisan alliance engages Indiana businesses from across the political spectrum who agree on the importance of civics education for the next generation of voters,” said Gotsch. “By getting involved, the business community can help boost civic literacy across the state.”
Elanco, Eli Lilly and Company, Powers & Sons Construction, and Salesforce are among the companies that have already joined IBAC. Membership is now open to any Indiana business, chamber of commerce, or trade association, who can join the alliance and access resources at indianabusinessalliance.org.
