October 4, 2024

Civics

Democratic backsliding in the United States and around the world highlights an urgent need for a renewed focus on civic education.

Former Congressman and then presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke visits a high school in Des Moines, IA. Image by Phil Roeder

Former Congressman and then presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke visits a high school in Des Moines, IA. Image by Phil Roeder

Former Congressman and then presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke visits a high school in Des Moines, IA. Image by Phil Roeder

"Multiple studies have shown that younger Americans are losing faith in democracy, and a significant number of them are no longer convinced that it should endure, given the political failure to address issues that they care about....This aligns with broader findings that show public confidence in the federal government has been low for decades."

"...Reimagining and reinvesting in civic education can help reverse these trends by preparing individuals to participate responsibly and effectively in democratic processes and institutions. High-quality civic learning fosters reflective patriotism, understanding of democratic principles, and engagement in civic activities. The result will be a more informed, active, and resilient citizenry capable of sustaining democratic institutions and values." - Danielle S. Allen, Carah Ong Whaley

ARTICLE: Educating for Democracy: The Case for a New Civics

Civics

Start where you live: Learning to see local power

BOOK: Hyperlocal: Place Governance in a Fragmented World

Civics

The places that hold us together

ARTICLE: Want to Support a Healthy Democracy? Start Here.

Civics

A pattern‑based approach to public problem‑solving

PDF: Pattern Languages for Public Problem‑Solving: Cultivating New Seeds for Social Change

Civics

America Unfinished: A plain-sight inventory of the state of the nation