Earlier this month, CivxNow, in partnership with colleagues at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), took to Capitol Hill with a clear, unified mission: advocate for the future of civics, social studies, and history education.
The energy, dedication, and passion of the group of advocates who joined us was inspiring. We brought a powerful message to Washington, D.C., through an incredible collective effort:
- 70+ dedicated participants, including NCSS Summer Leadership Institute attendees, iCivics educators, CivxNow partners, and students from middle school through grad school
- 50+ congressional office meetings held in a single day
- 15 states + D.C. represented, from Mississippi to California, bringing diverse local perspectives directly to federal policymakers
Speaking with policymakers and their staff, advocates showed up with unmatched resolve about the importance of civics. They shared classroom realities, outlined the essential work of nonprofit organizations supporting educators and students, and reinforced the critical need for robust federal funding that sustains this work, all within the context of this momentous semiquincentennial year.
In our civic learning field, we often talk about the idea of “doing civics for civics.” This Hill Day wasn’t just an advocacy event; it was a living reflection of exactly what we teach about every day. By stepping into these offices, our colleagues modeled the very kind of informed civic participation and productive dialogue we want to see the next generation equipped for, helping to fulfill iCivics founder Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s vision of preparing young people to take up their roles in our nation’s constitutional democracy.
To everyone who joined us, thank you, and immense gratitude to the many coalition partners who participated. It was an honor to lead this day alongside you. We hope the momentum we built on the Hill travels back with you into your classrooms, organizations, communities, and states. Onward!
