This differs from a more narrow focus on the conditions of a single sector of society, a single problem, or a specific community. This year s report also provides a comparison of Connecticut to its regional neighbors, giving Connecticut s citizens a picture of the state s performance in a broader context. While the report provides newly updated information each year, and reports data that can help to construct a portrait of both stability and change in the state, the goals of social reporting in Connecticut remain the same. It is hoped that this approach can help link the perspectives and integrate the efforts of the many groups, both public and private, who work toward the improvement of social problems. It is intended to contribute, as well, to the ongoing discussion among the public about the social well-being of their state.
Democracy is only as strong as the dialogue that people can conduct about current conditions.
While political gamesmanship and economic fluctuations in the nation are routinely visible, the social picture remains largely hidden. Like the Index of Leading Economic Indicators, the Index of Social Health provides a single number that may be compared over time. The Index monitors social patterns and trends going back a quarter of a century.