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Secretaries of State
Secretaries of state can be leaders in promoting high-quality civic learning by leveraging their platform to encourage civic engagement among young people. The report by Generation Citizen, “Civic Advocates In the States: How Secretaries of States Can be Public Champions of Civic Education,” highlights three main ways:
- through the implementation of a civics seal program;
- by ensuring a more open government by promoting policies that increase access to civic learning material; and
- by being public champions of civic education.
What Are Civic Seals?
Civic Seals, also known as civics diploma seals, recognize students’ proficiency in civic knowledge, responsibility, values, and engagement. Secretaries of state can actively promote civic learning by partnering on a civic seal program with in-state stakeholders, including policymakers and departments of education.
Example
Several states have implemented civic diploma seal programs in partnership with their secretary of state’s office. For example, Kentucky’s secretary of state partners with the Kentucky Civic Education Coalition. Students who successfully complete the seal receive a certificate through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office. In Connecticut, Secretary of State Stephanie Thompson’s office began the Red, White and Blue Schools Program that recognizes K–12 public and private schools excelling in their commitment to civic education.
Other Opportunities for Secretaries of State
- Start a public awareness campaign in partnership with your state governor to leverage America 250 to elevate concerns about youth readiness for civic life.
- Request funding from the legislature and governor for historic investments for educator professional development and required courses in middle school and high school.
Resources
- State-specific K–12 civic learning profile
- National Council of Social Studies Civic Seals Toolkit
- Report: Civic advocates in the states: How secretaries of state can be public champions of civic education (Generation Citizen)
- Report: United We Stand: Examining Core Criteria for the Kentucky Civic Seal Program
For one-to-one support and/or technical assistance, please contact our state policy staff.