Allstate Research Shows America Has What It Takes to Improve Trust
“Trust in government, business and leadership has declined precipitously around the world over the last two decades, threatening the foundation of freedom and economic prosperity,” said
The national survey reveals that local community engagement is still strong and there is a path to strengthening the “united” part of America.
Americans feel included and optimistic about the future but there is a high level of concern about the cost of living, the state of our country and personal safety.
- Americans are in a good position with two-thirds feeling included, and 74% optimistic about the future of their communities.
- At the same time, however, three-quarters of respondents are concerned about the cost of living, 72% about the state of the country and 64% about the safety of family and loved ones.
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While 59% of respondents say they trust their neighbors, that number drops to 41% for people in the
U.S.
Over two-thirds of Americans participate in their local communities and expect to increase their involvement.
- Sixty-eight percent of Americans report being involved in their local community, with a similar number expecting to increase their involvement in the future.
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The
U.S. Census Bureau reports that volunteering increased by 20% in 2023, reversing the negative impact of the pandemic. Americans invested 5 billion hours volunteering, equal to a workforce of 2.5 million people with a value of over$167 billion . -
“We see the value created in every community by thousands of community-based organizations,” said
Kate Nack , vice president ofThe Allstate Foundation .
Community participation and trust are highly correlated and mutually reinforcing.
- People with high trust levels are more satisfied with their community, have more social interactions and trust others despite their differences.
- Trust is self-reinforcing – the more we trust, the more we build trust.
Increased levels of trust help communities solve difficult societal problems, creating a path for greater prosperity and personal well-being.
- Higher trust levels improve collaboration, problem solving and individual mental health.
- Seventy-eight percent of respondents with high trust levels are engaged in the community versus 44% of those with low trust levels.
The path to rebuilding trust starts at the individual and local level.
- Increased community interaction, either volunteering, informal support or simply having a conversation, are the foundation for building a trusting relationship.
- All generations and individuals are needed to improve trust. Baby Boomers’ high levels of trust can be leveraged for change. Millennials and Gen X are ready to lead. Gen Z craves more connections.
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“Allstate and
The Aspen Institute have embarked on a three-year initiative to improve trust at the local level in order to strengthen our national civic fabric,” saidLouise Packard , director of strategic initiatives and leadership at Allstate.
“America’s community roots are sound, and we have the resources, talent and desire to improve trust. Uniting on community engagement will ensure increased prosperity and freedom in local communities and the country,” concluded Wilson.
Allstate conducted the survey
To read the full report and explore opportunities to help strengthen trust in your own community, visit The Trust Tipping Point Report.
About Allstate
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626215628/en/
Allstate Media Team
mediateam@allstate.com
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