Educators
K-12 Civic Learning Task Force
The California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning was established by California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson in 2014 to explore and elevate the status of civic learning and engagement in California. The task force developed research-based recommendations and resources to revitalizing K-12 Civic Learning in California.
Civic Learning Award
Co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, the Civic Learning Award for California public schools identifies and celebrates civic learning models that can be replicated in other schools. The annual Awards honored elementary and middle schools that offer top quality civic learning and can serve as a model for other schools to emulate.
California Courts Civics Education
This project of the Judicial Council of California features resources for educators, students, attorneys and the general public about the judicial branch and its role in our democracy.
Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools
Focused on implementing strategies outlined in the report "Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools," which provides a comprehensive look at the role civic learning plays in maintaining our democracy, examines the major problems confronting civic learning, shows six proven practices in effective civic learning and provides recommendations for policymakers, educators and all citizens.
Center for Civic Education
The Center is dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.
iCivics
Founded and led by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, iCivics provides students with the tools they need for active participation and democratic action, and teachers with the materials and support to achieve this. Free resources include print-and-go lesson plans, award-winning games, and digital interactives.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
The Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) is a non-profit, non-partisan, community-based organization dedicated to educating America's young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society. Under the guidance of a Board of Directors chosen from the worlds of law, business, government, education, the media, and the community, CRF develops, produces, and distributes programs and materials to teachers, students, and public-minded citizens all across the nation.
Educators Toolkit for High School Voters
This kit provides information including the importance of voting, how to pick a political party, pre-registration links, and resources for fostering civil discourse. Whether you teach or you have children, this kit is an excellent opportunity to motivate the young people in your life to take an active role in civic processes.
Facing History and Ourselves
Facing History and Ourselves was created by educators who believed that instilling intellectual vigor and curiosity goes hand-in-hand with teaching facts and figures. The group provides training, professional development, and resources that support the practical needs, and the spirits, of educators worldwide who share the goal of creating a better, more informed, and more thoughtful society.
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to "disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people." The Constitution Center brings the United States Constitution to life by hosting interactive exhibitions and constitutional conversations and inspires active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition. The physical museum is located in Philadephia, but the Center has a variety of online resources, including lesson plans for teachers and important historical documents.
Street Law
Street Law develops classroom and grassroots programs that educate students and communities about law, democracy, and human rights. However, the majority of the group's efforts, including popular professional development programs, are focused on training others -- individuals and organizations -- to become effective Street Law educators. The approach is practical, relevant, and experiential, blending legal content with innovative hands-on teaching strategies that actively engage students and program participants in the learning process.
Students
Learning Civic from fun and animated videos
- Rock the Vote – History of Voting
- Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained - animation
- Ten Terrible Reason to not Vote (and two good ones)
- Civil Rights and the 1950s: Crash Course US History
- Women's Suffrage: Crash Course US History
- Gerrymandering: How drawing jagged lines can impact an election
- Gerrymandering Explained – using animal kingdom
Organizations support Youth Learning in Civic Education
California Association of Student Leaders (CASL)
The California Association of Student Leaders provides an annual conference for high school and middle school student government leaders. The group is governed by a student Board of Directors and is sponsored by the California Association of Directors of Activities.
Junior Statesmen Foundation
In the student-run Junior State and at Junior State of America summer schools and summer institutes, participants learn statesmanship as they engage in political discourse. They cultivate democratic leadership skills, challenge one another to think critically, advocate their own opinions, develop respect for opposing views and learn to rise above self-interest to promote the public good.
California Campus Compact
As the only coalition that brings together the diverse collection of California colleges and universities together around a common commitment to higher education's civic purposes, California Campus Compact is a powerful ally in making the case for civic engagement, public service and student involvement in campus-community partnerships – and for sustaining the momentum for higher education's public service role in California.
Arsalyn Program
The Arsalyn Program of the Ludwick Family Foundation was created to encourage young Americans to become informed and active participants in the electoral process. The program sponsors several projects that allow youth to become involved in the civic process.
