A multi-author publication like the Index of Culture and Opportunity amounts to a little exercise in civil society. It draws on the diverse talents of more than 30 contributors and a dozen implementers to accomplish a common project. Along the way, it relies on division of labor, requires resolution of coordination issues, and derives a certain character of its own from the influence of these many participants.

In civil society, the closest neighbors are always the most affected by a project’s particular demands. As this project reaches its fourth year, my Heritage colleagues are by now well aware of this endeavor’s idiosyncrasies, and it has benefited from their continual eagerness to introduce improvements while accommodating challenges old or new.

Therese Pennefather’s perseverance in managing the publication process and William Poole’s exceptional editorial skills have been especially indispensable. The talents of John Fleming, Jay Simon, and Maria Sousa are evident in this publication’s visual presentation, both in print and online. On the research team, Anne Ryland and Jean Morrow provided critical support in assembling and reviewing content. Christine Kim, Jamie Hall, and Patrick Tyrrell provided technical research review. Leslie Merkle coordinated logistics with contributors. Finally, Marguerite Bowling’s ever-ready communications assistance ensures that the invitation to join the conversation among this little circle of civil society reaches a much wider audience of fellow citizens.