We tend to be humble folks, so we can act surprised at a new report showing that when it comes to volunteering, neighborhood participation, charitable giving and other civic activities, Minnesotans are No. 1.

Yeah, baby: we are so "civically" engaged.

The news comes from the America's Civic Health Index, a project of the National Conference on Citizenship, and released by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College.

MPR's report on the study shows:

Besides ranking first in voter turnout from 2004-2008, Minnesota did well in several other categories:

- About 60 percent of Minnesotans donated at least $25 to charitable organizations (ranking third nationally).

- About 60 percent of Minnesotans volunteered (ranking fourth nationally).

- About 38 percent of Minnesotans participated in regular or sustained volunteering from 2006 through 2008 (ranking third nationally).

- Only 58 percent of Minnesotans cut back on volunteering in 2008 compared to 72 percent nationally.

The index also showed 14 percent of Minnesotans attended a public meeting and 11 percent worked with others to fix a problem.

And a quote from Harry Boyte, co-director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship:

"Minnesotans do more than help out or serve others, as important as these activities are," Boyte said. "We produce civic things together, from schools to parks, arts fairs to block parties. Public work builds civic muscle, developing confidence and hope that we can shape our communities and our destiny."