STATE POLICY MENU
Governors
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, governors are uniquely positioned to seize the opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, honor the contributions of all Americans, and strengthen our constitutional democracy for the next generation. Governors can play a pivotal role in ensuring civic learning is prioritized in their state budgets, in policy activities, and more generally through awareness building and events. Below is a list of potential activities for governors’ offices to become more involved in civic learning.
Executive Branch Opportunities
- Equip future citizens by including historic investments for civic educator professional development and required courses in middle school and high school in state budget proposals.
- Work with the appointed members of America 250 commissions to issue state policy recommendations aligned with your budget proposal. Ask the commission to focus on civic learning as a priority. Ensure that your state’s commission includes a K–12 civic educator or
a member of your local state civic learning coalition. Find your state’s coalition on the CivxNow website. - Issue a Civic Learning Week proclamation every March during the
annual national celebration of civic learning. - Develop a Governor’s Civic Seal of Excellence designation for student diplomas in partnership with the state education agency.
- Request the state standards revision committee to align state standards with the Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy.
- Visit classrooms, attend model government simulations such as mock trials or debates, and speak at your state’s Civics Bee.
Example
Recognizing the importance of civics values and education, Governor Bill Lee (R–TN) announced the “Governor’s Civics Seal” during his first State of the State address on March 4, 2019. Additionally, the Tennessee General Assembly passed HB0944/SB0800, to officially establish the “Governor’s Civics Seal.” In 2020, the State Board of Education amended SBE Rule 0520-01-03-.07 to further outline the requirements for districts and schools to earn the seal. Learn more: Tennessee Governor’s Civic Seal
Resources
- State-specific K–12 civic learning profile
- Sample Civic Learning Week proclamation
- Educating for American Democracy State Standards Guidance
For one-to-one support and/or technical assistance, please contact our state policy staff.