By Claire Woodward At the Observing Civic Engagement Lab, we’re uncovering patterns about how religion shapes civil society organizations—not just in congregations, but across the broader landscape of civic life. Our systematic social observation (SSO) method reveals that religion’s influence extends far beyond houses of worship. What’s more surprising is how often religion is present… Read more »
Civil Society Organizations
We are grateful for organizations that financially support our work as well as those who participate in our study.
Do you know your Neighbor?
By Claire Woodward I moved into my current home in Bloomington during June 2020 (yes, that June 2020). My husband and I had just adopted a German Shepherd puppy and realized having a fenced yard would make our lives a lot easier than going on 8 walks a day around our townhouse complex. It was… Read more »
Participating Organization Spotlight: Tibetan Buddhist Mongolian Cultural Center
By Claire Woodward We continue to study community organizations, including several faith-based organizations in our research. The Tibetan Buddhist Mongolian Cultural Center (TMBCC) joined our research study in the fall of 2024. If you’re a Bloomington resident, you might know the TMBCC as a unique part of our city’s history. In 1950, Thubten Jigme Norbu,… Read more »
Participating Organization Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity
By Claire Woodward We are very grateful for the participating organizations in our Bloomington community, which has grown to 45 organizations as of April 2025. One of our earliest participants was Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Habitat for Humanity aims “to expand affordable housing solutions by partnering with people in our community.” Staff and… Read more »
What’s it like being a fly on the wall? Experiences observing organizations from our research assistants
By: Claire Woodward What’s it like to be a fly on the wall? Our team of 25 active research assistants have a unique take on what this experience is actually like. Equipped with a tablet, a room thermometer, and a measurement pen, they often take a seat in a back corner or pew to observe the action. … Read more »
What is a Civil Society Organization?
By: Claire Woodward It’s a Wednesday night. You’re headed out to play basketball with some friends. Or maybe you’re headed to a book club. Or a neighborhood association meeting. Regardless, you’re getting together with other people—practicing community. These associations are all a part of what is known as civil society. A quick Google search would define… Read more »