civic engagement

The Center works with a diversity of groups and people to promote greater understanding of common issues, to expand community discussion of critical issues, and to include more North Dakotans in the public discussion. We support efforts that help those most affected by an issue to participate and bring about positive change in our community.

Current efforts include:

Bismarck Native American Film Series

Cosponsor of a series of films. Next movie is Waterbusters, December 10. Click here for more information.

North Dakota Economic Security Alliance

Part of leadership to launch a new statewide organization working to eliminate disparities and obstacles for achieving economic security.

Prairie Independent

Publish community newspaper in central North Dakota. Click here

Progressive Faith Network

Facilitate discussion and efforts of local clergy in their work for a faith perspective on the morality of social and economic justice issues. This clergy group has sponsored eight public forums. In recent months they have brought forth the morality of health care reform. Click here

  Publications

Fact Sheet: North Dakota State and Local Taxes - Who Pays?     NEW!

Shares of family income that go to state and local taxes in 2007. Report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. News release from the North Dakota Center for the Public Good.

Too Great A Burden: Americans Face Rising Health Care Costs. 

Long before the current economic crisis began, Americans were straining under the burden of two related trends: shrinking coverage and rising health care costs. Left unchecked, health care costs will force more and more American families into debt - and even in to bankruptcy. Report by Families USA. Articles in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and the Minot Daily News. 

Premiums Versus Paychecks: A Growing Burden for North Dakota's Workers

The confluence of stagnant wages and rising health care costs has become a significant strain on family budgets.  This report by Families USA documents what this means for North Dakota working families. Health insurance premiums rose 2.8% more than median earnings in North Dakota. KFYR TV story.