WILKES-BARRE — An engaged population is the foundation of a strong, vibrant community, so says Jill Avery-Stoss, President and CEO of The Institute.
“Civic engagement is difficult to measure, however,” Avery-Stoss said. “Indicators such as nonprofit activity, voter participation, volunteerism, library use, and the presence of and programming for veterans provide valuable insight into how deeply residents engage in community life.”
Avery-Stoss said voter turnout offers a key perspective on civic participation. She said data from the Pennsylvania Department of State show that voter registration and turnout fluctuate with election cycles — with participation typically increasing in presidential election years and declining in municipal election years.
“The 2020 election saw record levels of voter registration and participation despite pandemic disruptions, and 2021 reflected the expected drop in turnout during a local election cycle,” Avery-Stoss said. “In 2022, voter registration increased modestly, and turnout levels were comparable to or higher than previous mid-term elections.”
By 2024, Avery-Stoss said the number of registered voters reached its highest level since 2020. In 2025, however, the number of registered voters decreased slightly throughout the region.
Avery-Stoss said voter education is essential for increasing turnout in municipal elections — these contests can have a significant impact on daily life — often more directly than presidential elections.
“Local officials are often the most accessible representatives in a community,” Avery-Stoss said. “Many of our day-to-day concerns are managed by our local government, either the county or municipality in which we live. These are the offices that oversee important things like marriage certificates, school budgets, and street cleaning.”
In addition to voter registration and turnout, Avery-Stoss said nonprofit organization status serves as a clear measure of civic commitment and community connections. Data from the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics shows that most nonprofits are classified as 501(c)(3) organizations, operating across fields such as health, human services, education, arts and culture, and religion.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, Avery-Stoss said there were approximately 2,500 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in recent years, with roughly 75% designated as 501(c)(3) public charities. These organizations span a wide range of service areas, with human services organizations continuing to represent the largest share.
The pandemic challenged nonprofits by disrupting fundraisers, limiting volunteer opportunities, and forcing organizations to adapt their service delivery. This decline affects a wide range of programs — from arts events to safety-net services, and even critical public safety organizations, like volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services.
“Despite the decline in volunteerism, it is encouraging that many young adults are committed to civic engagement through volunteering,” said Avery-Stoss. “The Institute regularly polls the region’s college students, and as of 2024, 55% had participated in fundraising events and one-third had engaged with organizations outside school — evidence of a new generation willing to contribute time and energy to charitable causes.”
Avery-Stoss libraries are important components of civic infrastructure as well. She said the number of libraries in NEPA has remained steady, and many have reinvented themselves to better serve diverse populations. Circulation and usage trends vary by county and year, but overall data show that active users continue to rely on libraries as key community resources for information, programming, and services.
Avery-Stoss said veteran population data also provides insight into civic health. Northeastern Pennsylvania continues to host a substantial community of military veterans, though the overall number has declined gradually. These residents have specific needs, particularly related to mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and other support services.
“Increasing awareness of the importance of local elections, alongside continued support for civic institutions such as nonprofits and libraries, will be essential to strengthening civic engagement across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Avery-Stoss said.
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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.