SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of CNCS, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions;
• Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

A 60-day Notice requesting public comment on this information collection was published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2026 at 91 FR 27309. The comment period ended July 13, 2026. Two public comments were received. Both comments emphasized the utility of the CEV for both research and practice, as well as the importance of AmeriCorps' continued investment of meaningful time and energy into the analysis and reporting of the supplement data. Commenters' primary concerns were related to the reduction in the number of questions about formal volunteering activity in the CEV relative to the 2017 version of the Volunteering supplement.

The Serve America Act (2009) directs AmeriCorps to collect data that captures the broader concept of civic engagement (which includes but is not limited to formally volunteering through organizations). AmeriCorps' Office of Research and Evaluation recognizes that certain stakeholders would value more detailed data on formal volunteering. At this time, however, due to a policy Census introduced in 2022 to minimize respondent burden, AmeriCorps cannot add questions that would increase the length of the CEV. If Census recommendations change and resources allow AmeriCorps to add formal volunteering questions suggested by commenters in future rounds of data collection, the agency would seek a revision to reinstate two questions from the 2017 CEV about types of volunteer organizations (Q16b) and activities (Q16c). These questions underwent cognitive testing and validation as part of the original CEV design process and would generate valuable knowledge ( printed page 54850) about formal volunteering. In contrast, other questions suggested by commenters have not been validated, would substantially increase respondent burden, violate the 2022 Census supplement policy requiring CPS supplements to use behavioral measures, and/or are inconsistent with National Academy of Sciences recommendations that alternative data collections are better suited for attitudinal and outcome measures.

Title of Collection: Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement.

OMB Control Number: 3045-0139.

Type of Review: Revision.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 60,000.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 6,670.

Abstract: AmeriCorps is mandated by the Serve America Act of 2009 to facilitate the establishment of a Civic Health Assessment in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship. AmeriCorps aggregates and presents key indicators of civic health through its Volunteering and Civic Life in America (VCLA) research. The agency makes reports, tables, and data publicly available on the AmeriCorps website. Specialized tables are made available upon request. The survey is the only source of nationally representative data on civic engagement trends across the United States and over time. Key measures include formally volunteering through an organization; informally interacting with family, friends, and neighbors; participating in associations; charitable giving; learning about and engaging with issues of public concern; and interacting with public and private institutions. AmeriCorps has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau (Census) to collect data and publish reports on civic engagement trends since 2002. This request is a revision because AmeriCorps is seeking clearance of rephrased questions to expedite testing in the event that Census introduces an internet self-response mode to the CEV before this OMB Control Number expires. Census is currently field-testing an internet self-response mode for the core CPS module as part of its modernization efforts. AmeriCorps is directed by Congress to collect data and produce reports on the nation's civic health (Authority: 42 U.S.C. 12639(a); 13 U.S.C. 8(b), 182; 29 U.S.C. 1.). The currently approved information collection is due to expire on August 31, 2026.