The Four Civic Archetypes

#Activist The Four Civic Archetypes

Here’s what each category means in plain English:

1. Mobilizers — 9%

These are the activists.

They are highly involved in many forms of civic and political activity. They are likely to:

• Vote regularly
• Volunteer for political campaigns
• Contact elected officials
• Attend town halls or government meetings
• Put up political yard signs
• Participate in organized political activity

In simple terms: “I don't just have political opinions—I actively do something about them.”

They are only about 9% of the population, meaning the people who are visibly active in politics represent a relatively small portion of Americans.

2. Connectors — 28%

These people are very involved in their communities, but they don't necessarily want politics to dominate that involvement.

They may:

• Volunteer for charities
• Participate in religious organizations
• Donate money
• Help community organizations
• Vote at relatively high rates

But they tend to avoid highly partisan political activity.

In simple terms: “I care about my community and participate, but I don't want everything to become a political fight.”

This is an important distinction because someone can be highly civic-minded without being a political activist.

3. Spectators — 31%

These people are politically interested but politically passive.

They may:

• Follow political news closely
• Watch political events
• Pay attention to elections
• Have strong political opinions
• Talk about politics privately

But they rarely:

• Attend political meetings
• Volunteer for campaigns
• Contact politicians
• Participate in organized political activity

Their online behavior is also relatively private. Rather than publicly arguing about politics, they might like a post, send it to a friend, or discuss it privately.

In simple terms: “I pay attention to politics, but I don't want to participate in it directly.”

This group is particularly interesting because political awareness and political participation aren't the same thing.

4. Outsiders — 31%

These are the least civically and politically engaged.

They are less likely to:

• Follow political news
• Participate in community organizations
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Attend political events
• Engage with political content

But the statement makes an important point: “less engaged” doesn't mean “completely disengaged.”

For example, 41% reportedly still voted in 2024.

So someone could essentially say:

“I don't follow politics, participate in political organizations, or spend much time thinking about government—but I still show up to vote.”