Category: Insights

Coming Full Circle for Civic Learning Week

Posted on by Riley Hawkins

This past week, the Illinois General Assembly adopted Senate Resolution 131, designating the week of March 9-16 Civic Learning Week in the state. 

For me, it’s a proud moment, and one in which my work to date has come full circle. 

Twenty-five years ago last fall, I started my career as a high school social studies teacher in Sheboygan, WI. 

I taught U.S. History and Social Problems (current issues). It might surprise most who know me that I did not teach a civics course. That’s because a standalone civics course was not an option for my students. 

It was nonetheless a formative couple of years as a teacher and coach (football, basketball, and track) before I left to attend graduate school in Chicago and continued teaching at Community High School in West Chicago, IL.

That’s where I started to see the power of civic education.

West Chicago seniors take a required American Government course modeled after the Illinois General Assembly, where parliamentary procedure is employed in class each day while students debate current issues. Students later declare party affiliations, write legislation, and ultimately consider bills in committee hearings and full sessions of the legislature. 

Dubbed the “Legislative Semester,” this experience was formative for me and my students. I fondly recall asking its architect and my mentor, Steve Arnold, why all Illinois graduates didn’t have a similar opportunity. 

He was retiring that spring, and responded, “Shawn, that’s your challenge.”

I left the classroom after four years in West Chicago, but replicated the Legislative Semester in an undergraduate political science course on Congress at the University of Illinois at Chicago and continue to embed current issues discussions in public policy courses to this day. 

Most importantly, I took up Steve’s challenge as Chair of the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition (ICMC) and Director of the Democracy Program during my 16 years at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in Chicago.

I helped expand the Illinois Democracy Schools Initiative statewide, a school recognition program focused on teaching civics across the curriculum, in extracurricular activities, and through school governance. As of this writing, more than 90 high schools are part of the Illinois Democracy Schools Network and they are representative of the state’s diverse geography and demography.

ICMC advanced a policy agenda beyond Democracy Schools that yielded a legislative task force on civic education, revised state social studies standards centering civic learning, and middle and high school civics course requirements. The spirit of the Legislative Semester is evident in the latter as Illinois civics courses include the usual direct instruction on government institutions, but also discussions of current public issues, service learning, and yes, simulations of democratic processes like lawmaking.

Chicago’s philanthropic community rallied to the cause, supporting teachers, schools, and districts with course implementation as permitted by the new state laws, investing more than $3 million annually in ongoing teacher professional learning opportunities throughout the state. From fall 2015 through spring 2019, the Illinois Civics Hub, led by the incomparable Mary Ellen Daneels, provided nearly 1,200 hours of professional learning to 8,217 teacher participants. 

In turn, teachers emerged with greater knowledge of the new mandates and efficacy in implementing related content and pedagogy in the classroom. 

Students were the ultimate beneficiaries. 

We’ve found that those taking civics courses are 20% more likely to discuss politics or public issues, 25% more likely to serve as a group leader, and 41% more likely to help make their city or town a better place for people to live. 

Illinois Senate Resolution 131 celebrates this remarkable progress in the Land of Lincoln. Its sponsor, Senator Karina Villa, is fittingly a graduate of Community High School  in West Chicago and a Legislative Semester alum.

Four years ago I joined iCivics to stand up a policy team and scale the now 365-organization-strong CivxNow coalition. 

During this time, we quadrupled federal funding for K-12 civics.

But it’s on the state level where we have made the most progress, and where we will need to focus in the coming years.

In partnership with state coalitions, CivxNow pushed for adoption of 38 policies in 24 states to strengthen K-12 civic education. This momentum carries forth this spring, with 38 states considering 131 bills concerning civic education, 95 of which are aligned with the CivxNow State Policy Menu.

One of these bills, Assembly Bill (AB) 4 in Wisconsin, sponsored by Representative Amanda Nedweski, would require a semester of civics in high school.  In recent weeks, back where my journey began, I’ve facilitated bipartisan and bicameral conversations about the bill as it makes its way through first the Assembly, and now the Senate. 

One meeting in particular with freshman Representative Joe Sheehan stands out, as he was Superintendent of Sheboygan Area School District when I was a rookie social studies teacher. Then-Superintendent Sheehan supported the adoption of a required civics course at Sheboygan South High School. Now Rep. Sheehan is committed to getting to yes on AB 4, ensuring that the Badger State joins the ranks of 35 others that require a civics course to graduate, and that schools have the requisite resources to implement it with fidelity.

As our third annual national Civic Learning Week dawns on the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison and chambers across the country, we have much to celebrate as a field, and crucial opportunities like AB 4 to further our noble cause.

A Celebration of Civic Education and Its Impact on the Future of Our Nation

Posted on by icivics

With a backdrop of intense change directly impacting the field of civic learning, and more likely on its way, the third annual national Civic Learning Week assumes even greater importance. Throughout the week of March 10–14, we will elevate a shared vision and make a resounding affirmative case for the importance of civic learning in preparing our citizenry for informed self-governance. As public trust in institutions and one another wanes, civics stands as the bedrock of our constitutional democracy and the key ingredient to restore the ties that bind us as Americans.Join the Civic Learning Week celebration by:

  1. Bringing attention to the importance of civic education as a nationwide priority. Use our educator toolkit and/or organization/influencer toolkit to help bring Civic Learning Week to your community.
  2. Thanking educators who embody the best of civic learning. Use this resource template to show support for a “civic learning allstar,” affirming teachers preparing the next generation for their civic roles.
  3. Sharing the importance of civics on social media and/or what civics means to you on the Civic Learning Week platform.

Nearly 250 years ago, the framers of the Declaration of Independence signed their names to an unknown national, much less personal, fate. The sustenance of this experiment in self-governance speaks to their timeless wisdom and to generations of Americans committed to the lofty ideals of “liberty and justice for all.”

Will we answer the call for the rising generation of Americans? Now, more than ever, we must make the case for stronger local, state, and national investments in civics. National Civic Learning Week is our moment to thank frontline educators, emphasize local programs, and highlight positive stories of civic learning’s generational impact. Join us in this urgent cause as we mobilize strong public support for comprehensive K–12 civic education.

  • The American Revolution and Civic Learning: A Conversation with Filmmaker Ken Burns, PBS LearningMedia, and iCivics
    • Wednesday, March 12
    • Join award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on March 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET for a special conversation on the upcoming documentary series, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Burns and Botstein will discuss with teachers how film and video can bring fresh insight to our founding story and how civic learning can come alive for students in the classroom. Register today!
  • Featured Conversation with Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States
    • Friday, March 14
    • Students will join Justice Sotomayor in a discussion about civic education on March 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Register today!

Explore Civic Learning Week Events!

A New Year, a Renewed Focus on Civic Education

Posted on by icivics

Last week, President Trump took the oath of office and was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. This peaceful transfer of power, particularly between presidents representing our two primary political parties, is a hallmark of our constitutional democracy. We celebrate this transition and the advent of the 119th Congress earlier this month, with all of our elected leaders “bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support [the U.S.] Constitution.”

Amidst the bevy of executive orders, proclamations, and confirmation hearings since Inauguration Day, civic education remains the best way to sustain and strengthen our democracy. This must be a civic education for the 21st century—one that is relevant, meaningful, and engaging for each new generation, and includes an explicit focus on the nation’s foundational documents—including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights—and the democratic institutions and processes they established. Civic education fosters a deep connection to our country and cultivates in youth a strong sense of community, empowering them to work collaboratively with others to solve problems together.

However, on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in civics, only 22% of 8th graders tested proficient or above in understanding how this country’s constitutional democracy is supposed to work and how to apply that knowledge. 

  • These results are lamentably predictable as civics consists of only a one-semester course in high school for most K–12 students. 
  • Just 5 states require a stand-alone civics course in middle school, and elementary schools spend less than 30 minutes per day on social studies. 
  • Students from rural areas, students of color, and students from low-income families often encounter fewer civic learning opportunities in their schools. 

Moreover, the federal government contributes to the marginalization of civics, investing less than 50 cents per K–12 student. As both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue turn to the tough task of governing, we encourage President Trump and members of Congress to invest in K–12 civic education for current and future generations. This includes new funding for states, local education agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to launch robust local civic education initiatives, building on and expanding recent progress in states. This investment will provide students with the civic knowledge and skills necessary to navigate emerging technology, social media, and disinformation threats that undermine the ability to participate successfully as informed citizens of our constitutional democracy.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice and iCivics founder Sandra Day O’Connor was right that “the practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool.” As plans are underway for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next July, we call on President Trump and Congress to make a generational investment in our students’ civic development, ensuring they learn and value our founding principles and the institutions undergirding them.

The 2024 Election by the Numbers and the Outlook for Civic Learning in 2025

Posted on by icivics

According to an analysis from CivxNow partner the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the status quo prevailed at the state level with the incumbent party elected in all 11 gubernatorial contests and Republicans maintaining control of 57 state chambers.

  • Democrats lost majorities in two House chambers, Michigan and Minnesota, and now control 39 chambers to the 41 they held prior to the election.
  • Across states, Republicans netted 50 seats, below the average of 78 in presidential election years, and Democrats made gains in Montana and Wisconsin.
  • Trifectas, with unified party control of the governorship and both legislative chambers, exist in 38 states—23 Republican and 15 Democratic—leaving 12 states with divided control.

New and Returning Faces in State-Level Education Positions

Turning to state education agencies, according to the Education Commission of States (ECS):

  • Four chief state school officers were elected. Incumbents and established champions of civic learning Kirsten Baesler (R-ND) and Chris Reykdal (D-WA) were joined by newcomers Susie Hedalen (R-MT) and Maurice Green (D-NC).
  • Additionally, voters weighed in on 50 state school board seats across nine states, yielding 27 new members and returning 23 incumbents.

Opportunities Abound for Civics in the New Year

As state legislators pre-file bills for the coming spring session, NCSL identified common themes in education policy, including still-depressed student attendance and learning loss since the pandemic, and personalized and relevant student learning opportunities. Comprehensive civic learning not only motivates students to attend school consistently, but also propels literacy gains, alongside fostering civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

In partnership with our State Policy Task Force and CivxNow State Affiliates, we anticipate opportunities to advance key priorities from the CivxNow State Policy Menu in the coming biennium, including appropriations for teacher professional learning, civic seals, and middle school civics course requirements.

Celebrating Our Coalition and Preparing for the Work Ahead

As we look ahead to the new year, the CivxNow Coalition has much to celebrate among its 360+ members. Since 2021, 24 states adopted 38 policies to strengthen K–12 civic education, and Congress quadrupled federal funding for civics. Our collective work begins in the new year with challenges and opportunities alike. We are deeply appreciative of our coalition members’ commitment to students’ civic development.

Make K–12 Civic Education Universal Post-Election

Posted on by icivics

Democracy is on the ballot next week. In this final sprint to Election Day, a stunning 82% of registered voters believe democracy is not working as well as it should or at all, according to a December 2023 poll conducted by Hart Research on behalf of CivxNow partner More Perfect. Reciprocally, voters rank “protecting basic rights and freedoms” and “protecting and improving democracy” among the most important issues in the 2024 Election.

Reciprocally, voters rank “protecting basic rights and freedoms” and “protecting and improving democracy” among the most important issues in the 2024 Election.

  • Ninety-two percent of voters agree or strongly agree that democracy is facing serious threats today.
  • A significant percentage (43%) said schools failing to teach civics and the value of citizen involvement in our democracy is a major problem.
  • A leading indicator of this challenge is an age gap in the data among those who strongly agreed with the statement, “Our democracy needs improvement, but it is still the best system of government there is.” Fifty-eight percent of those age 65-plus strongly agreed versus 34% of 18-34 year olds.

Too many young people are losing faith in our country as political division, distrust, and polarization undermine our constitutional democracy. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcomes, our nation desperately needs to come back together, and the best way to strengthen democracy is to teach it. As our nation turns next to its 250th birthday, this means civic education that is relevant, meaningful, and engaging for each new generation – civic education that inspires a belief in our country, and instills in youth a sense of belonging and a confidence to shape the world around them and work with others to solve problems together.

Both party platforms endorse stronger K–12 civic education. For Democrats, this means investments in “evidence-based programs and pedagogical approaches” and “qualified, first-class, well-trained, passionate educators.” Republicans seek to “promote love of country and authentic civic education,” including “support(ing) schools that teach America’s founding principles.”

Democrats and Republicans alike should therefore commit to universal student access to high-quality K–12 civic education with a bipartisan platform that includes:

  • A full year of civics course in high school (currently offered in only six states);
  • A semester-long civics course in middle school ((currently offered in only five states);
  • Dedicated instructional time for civics in grades K–5 (currently offered only in New Hampshire); and
  • Public funding for high-quality civics curriculum and materials, teacher training, and student programming.

Public funding is essential for civics’ prioritization in our nation’s K–12 schools.

  • While the federal government invests more than $50 per student each year in STEM subjects, it spends less than 50 cents on civics.
  • The next Congress should reintroduce the bipartisan Civics Secures Democracy Act (CSD) come January and collaborate with the new administration to enact it in the first 100 days. CSD would increase the federal investment in civics to $18 per student, with the bulk of the funding directed towards local school districts.

Presidential elections are a sacred democratic ritual in the United States. By voting, we Americans affirm our belief in the strength and sustenance of our constitutional democracy. Our institutions are threatened and our citizens feel disempowered, but we agree on the long-term solution: universal access to K–12 civic education. May the victors of both parties throughout our federal system make this a top priority when the dust settles from election 2024.

We’re Teaching Kids Here in Allentown

Posted on by icivics

A recent front-page story in The Washington Post asked, “Can a Civics Teacher Persuade Her Students to Believe in Democracy?” As someone who’s been part of the movement to prioritize and strengthen K–12 civic education for the past quarter century, it was heartening to see this in-depth reporting that profiled Shannon Salter’s efforts in Allentown, PA, to engage her students in practices of constitutional democracy during a pivotal presidential election year.

Reporter Greg Jaffe wrote:

Like most civics teachers, Salter wanted her students to believe that their voices and opinions could shape the nation’s future — that their participation in politics was essential to improving their country, their neighborhoods and their lives. A big part of her job, as she saw it, was persuading her students to vote.

For most students across the United States, civics is a one-shot deal in a semester-long high school course: 37 states require a stand-alone class for graduation and only 6 require a full year (see CivxNow State Policy Scan). Only 10 states require a middle school civics course. Required civics instruction is all but absent in grades K–5.

The status quo is unacceptable: Civics should be woven throughout students’ K–12 trajectory.

Moreover, a diverse generation of young people must see themselves in the story of our country and its civic life. The challenge Salter and other civics teachers face is stark: “To these students, American politics (is) an ego-driven, aimless mess.”

However, Salter is right to note, as characterized in The Washington Post article, that:

Public school is one of the few American institutions where people from all sides of the country’s political, social and cultural divides still come together. In her view, it (is) the place where a new generation — the most diverse in the country’s history — (can) learn the skills needed to revive America’s creaking system of self-governance.

Voting is but one of many forms of civic engagement. Volunteering, contacting public officials, following the news, discussing current issues with friends and families, and working with neighbors to address community issues are other avenues to participate meaningfully in our constitutional democracy.

Civic engagement also varies over a life cycle, generally starting slowly in early adulthood, increasing as one becomes embedded within a community and assumes career and other responsibilities; and peaking as older adults. Just because some of Salter’s students are reluctant to vote this fall, it does not mean this will always remain the case.

As civic educators and champions, we should heed the recommendations of coalition member CIRCLE, the Center for Information Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, in their “Growing Voters” initiative:

  • Study community voting patterns and barriers (CIRCLE offers a helpful mapping tool);
  • Provide explicit, nonpartisan instruction on the when, where, and how of voting;
  • Tap into parent and peer networks, given their influence in students’ lives and prominence as sources of information about elections;
  • Capitalize on preregistration as prescribed by CivxNow’s State Policy Menu and partnerships with local election authorities for students to serve as elections workers; and
  • Ensure youth engagement is among your principal strategies in order to broaden civic engagement, voting included.

Our collective work is not a quick fix, but plants the seeds for a lifetime of informed civic engagement. In what has only become a more tumultuous political season since this article was published, we salute Salter and civics teachers throughout the nation for their commitment to students’ civic development. We invite you to share similar stories of trial and triumph as we collectively make the case for stronger K–12 civic education in this teachable moment, Election 2024 and beyond.

Continued Progress on Civics Policies Across States

Posted on by icivics

States continued a steady march toward stronger K–12 civic education this spring. Several states implemented minimum course requirements for civics, while others allocated resources for teacher training or started new civic excellence programs. Our final tally for this legislative session includes 151 bills impacting K–12 civic education in 35 states. Nearly three-fourths (109) of the bills align with the CivxNow Policy Menu.

Six states already crossed the finish line with stronger civics policies:

  • Alabama’s $1.75 million injection into the state budget fuels a continued partnership between Troy University and the American Village Citizenship Trust. This program equips Alabama high school students with a solid grasp of U.S. history and government, and also offers teachers a “Civics Education Micro-credential.”
  • Indiana SB211 passed on the last day of session and was signed into law by Governor Holcomb (R) on March 13. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jeff Raatz (R), creates a new “Excellence in Civic Engagement” designation for graduating high school students.
  • Kentucky high schoolers now have a choice. Previously, they had to pass a 100-question civics test based on the U.S. Citizenship exam. Thanks to House Bill 535, sponsored by Representative Robert Duval (R), students can now choose between that test and taking a credit class in civic education. This law also makes the existing test a bit tougher by raising the passing score from 60% to 70%. The bill was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear (D) on April 9.
  • Missouri’s General Assembly passed HB 2002, which included $500K for educator professional development in “civics and patriotism.” This was the second year of funding for this new line item and it was supported by the Missouri Civic Learning Coalition.
  • New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed HB 171 into law, updating high school graduation requirements to include an additional semester of social studies and civics.

As of this writing, two states are still considering substantial measures to boost K–12 civics:

  • Michigan, where CivxNow staff led appropriations requests for professional development for K–12 civic educators. Committee chairs in both chambers agreed: $1M in the House School Aid Budget and $5M in the Senate School Aid Budget. The conference committees are currently negotiating final numbers prior to the close of session this month.
  • California SB1094, which passed the Senate last week, requires one civic engagement experience with a governmental institution in both elementary and middle school. It moves next to the House, which adjourns in August. Californians for Civic Learning is leading the charge to pass this critical measure to prepare K–8 students for their high school civics experiences, including the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Join our ongoing efforts to build civic learning coalitions in all 50 states to strengthen K–12 civic education.

Building a Stronger Democracy, One State at a Time

Posted on by icivics

CivxNow is a force multiplier for K–12 civic education policy with active State Policy Task Force members in 41 states. We provide local advocates and coalitions with the tools necessary to champion evidence-based policies.

From Vision to Action

Founded with the goal of driving lasting policy changes, CivxNow’s State Policy Task Force is an essential resource for grassroots advocacy. We support this movement by:

  • Providing current, state-specific research;
  • Fostering collaboration among advocates across state lines;
  • Offering access to vital resources and expertise for effective policymaking; and
  • Convening state partners for timely technical assistance.

Investing in the Future

Since its inception in 2018, thanks to the longstanding support of the Carnegie Corporation, the CivxNow Coalition has flourished. Carnegie’s early and continuous investments made possible the nationwide impact detailed in their report, “Connecting Civic Education and a Healthy Democracy,” released last month.

In addition to underwriting the work of the CivxNow Policy team, Carnegie’s support enables annual regrants for state coalition initiatives totaling $275,000 in 15 geographic and politically diverse states. Our goal? Substantial policy advancements in civic education.

Success Stories

CivxNow’s approach, as detailed in the Carnegie report, is demonstrably effective. Carnegie Democracy Program Officer Andrew Geraghty wrote, “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to civic learning, and states are truly laboratories of change. Conservative, progressive, urban, rural, and otherwise diverse states have taken varied policy approaches to bolster civic learning, and they are all helping us move toward a common goal: a stronger democracy.”

Since 2021, 23 states enacted more than 30 measures to strengthen K–12 civic education, including:

  • New Hampshire: A bipartisan 2023 law mandates a semester of civics for middle schoolers and dedicated instructional time in elementary schools.
  • Minnesota: A civics course became mandatory for high school juniors and seniors as part of the 2023 education package.
  • Massachusetts: The state’s nation-leading annual investment in civic education increased to $2.5 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
  • Other course mandates: Middle school civics course requirements were adopted in Indiana and New Jersey, while high school requirements were established in Montana, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
  • Resourcing and community commitments: Utah funded pilot experiential civic learning programs in districts, and Georgia created a permanent civic education commission.

Building a Brighter Future

CivxNow recognizes the importance of patience and persistence in policy advocacy. We leverage strategic state partnerships to accelerate impactful change. This spring, we’re tracking 141 civic education-related bills in 35 states, 100 aligned with the CivxNow State Policy Menu.

We heed Carnegie’s call for “…state policies and investments (to) ensure high-quality civic education for all students in the United States.” These policies will “equip young people with the tools to think critically, to engage in constructive debate, and to discover their agency is critical to reducing polarization and strengthening American democracy.”

Civics Funding Holds Strong in a Tough Fiscal Environment

Posted on by icivics

Late last week, Congress passed its remaining Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 spending bills, which include $23M for K–12 civic education. This encompasses $3M for American History and Civics Academies and $20M for American History and Civics National Activities. These funding levels are identical to FY23, a major victory for the civic education field given divided government in D.C. and downward pressure on overall spending. The FY23 and FY24 funding levels triple those from FY22 ($7.75M).

Last year’s grants are having a major, positive impact on the field of civic education:

  • Through FY23 funding, the federal Department of Education issued four American History and Civics Academies grants, up from one in FY21, and 25 American History and Civics National Activities grants, up from six in FY22.
  • Three-quarters of Academies grant recipients and nearly half of National Activities grants recipients are CivxNow members.
  • Last year’s National Activities grants are currently serving an estimated 4,000 teachers and 400,000 students. Eighty-four percent of these grants provide professional learning opportunities for teachers. Nearly half of the grants (48%) also involve curriculum development, and a third (32%) student programming.

We are grateful for the 330+ members of the CivxNow Coalition contacting congressional offices and making the case for continued federal investments in high-quality K–12 civic education. This outreach made a major difference, as current civics funding investments were imperiled.

This process begins anew for FY25, where we seek $30M for K-12 civic education, a 30% increase from FY23-24. Long-term, the CivxNow Coalition will pursue reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Civics Secures Democracy Act, which represents a generational investment in K–12 civic education.

While current federal funding levels for K–12 civics are reason to celebrate, they still represent less than fifty cents per K–12 student, as opposed to the $50+ per student investments in STEM subjects. Federal investments in K–12 civic education are critical to its prioritization across states and school districts. By respecting local control, they empower districts, schools, and teachers to provide students with universal access to high-quality civic learning opportunities throughout their K–12 trajectories.

Every Voice Counts During Civic Learning Week

Posted on by icivics

I often tell people, I’m sure your job is great, but mine is better—and I mean it. Each day, I get to work with some subset of over 325 organizations that are members of the CivxNow Coalition, learning what they do and why they do it. It’s inspiring and humbling. That is why I’m so excited about the second-ever National Civic Learning Week (CLW). The week provides an opportunity for our field and the amazing humans that drive it to take a curtain call, celebrate the importance of our work, and broaden and deepen our powerful movement.

Because I have a bird’s-eye view of what many partners are doing, organizational friends asked me for ideas on how they should celebrate the week. I’m heartened by the fact that a movement as diverse as ours—one that includes in- and out-of-school actors, museums and cultural institutions, people with different viewpoints and life experiences, etc.—provides many onramps for engagement. Our movement’s diversity is our strength.

With this knowledge, I encourage our partners and now you to showcase what you do and do what you’re good at throughout CLW. There’s not one way to celebrate; there are many. And, what’s more, you don’t have to do this alone or start from scratch. We have many resources that can help you.

If you’re an:

  • Educator, think about spotlighting your lessons or student work. Check out the Educator Toolkit your peers from small and large districts across the country created, including classroom-ready activities, messages, and other useful tools.
  • Employer or a community member, share how civic learning is important to you.
  • Elected official, take this moment to focus your colleagues on this important issue.
  • Organization, this one-pager lays out the goals our coalition members articulated for CLW. It includes links to ideas that can take you as little as 10 minutes to execute.

We ask that all partners use our marketing kit, which includes graphics, sample posts, and action ideas that your organization can easily deploy. You may also wish to attend one of the many thoughtful events our partners are leading.

As I think about CLW, my mind goes to one of the favorite books I read my daughter when she was younger. In Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who, the mayor of this tiny town, Whoville, that exists on a speck, calls out to this one young person who isn’t effectively using their voice with an impassioned plea. In Dr. Seuss’s words, “This is the time for all Whos who have blood that is red to come to the aid of their country!” he said. “We’ve GOT to make noises in greater amounts! So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!”

The line always reminds me that all our voices don’t have to be the same or leveraged the same way, but together they contribute to a beautiful chorus that can make an enormous difference. So, whether you’re an organization or an individual, I encourage you to leverage your creativity and voice and celebrate with us in March. It will make an enormous difference for a field whose time has come.

See you at Civic Learning Week!

Ace Parsi
Director of Coalition Engagement, iCivics