Civic health

WHEREAS, seven in 10 adults are hesitant to discuss politics 1
during the holidays due to fear of disagreement; and2
WHEREAS, A recent New York Times poll found that approximately 25 3
percent of Americans have experienced strained or broken 4
relationships with family or friends due to political disagreements; 5
and 6
WHEREAS, Research shows that young adults are twice as likely to 7
be lonely than seniors; and 8
WHEREAS, A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 84 percent 9
of U.S. adults believe political debate has become less respectful 10
over the past several years; and 11
WHEREAS, Ongoing ideological conflicts can lead citizens to lose 12
sight of their shared identity and diminish their hope for a unified 13
nation, amplifying the importance to improve public trust in the 14
democratic process by engaging in shared activities and hobbies 15
outside of work and school to foster enjoyment and facilitate 16
connections among individuals with diverse political views and 17
backgrounds; and 18
WHEREAS, Economic challenges have led many American households to 19
work longer hours, resulting in reduced time spent with friends and 20
family; and 21
WHEREAS, Insufficient civic education during childhood 22
contributes to increased political polarization in society; and23
SENATE RESOLUTION
8627
By Senators Lovick and Conway
p. 1 8627
WHEREAS, Political polarization can lead to increased stress 1
and damaged relationships among teenagers, potentially 2
discouraging their political engagement, and can negatively 3
impact their mental health, particularly when disagreements on 4
contentious topics arise among friends or family members; and5
WHEREAS, A civically healthy society enables family members, 6
friends, and colleagues to maintain positive relationships 7
despite political disagreements by engaging in respectful 8
dialogue, bridging political divides; and 9
WHEREAS, There is an opportunity to inspire future 10
generations to counteract political polarization and embrace 11
civility; and 12
WHEREAS, Setting a positive example of civic health for 13
young people is critical to fostering their engagement and 14
development; and 15
WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature has demonstrated 16
its commitment to civic health through bipartisan efforts and 17
the establishment of initiatives aimed at fostering civil 18
discourse; 19
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State 20
Senate celebrate civic health and show gratitude to those who 21
work both in and out of the classroom to promote civic health 22
among the young people of our state. 23
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 24
do hereby certify that this is a true and 25
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8627, 26
adopted by the Senate 27
March 27, 2025 28
SARAH BANNISTER 29
Secretary of the Senate 30
p. 2 8627