Schools in Chicago are returning to the control of a school board, and voters in Boston have approved the same measure. Moving school supervision from mayors to school boards is good for democracy and good for professionalism. Let’s focus on helping kids learn, using a professional superintendent overseen by a representative board of education.

From Katrina to Maui: Community Matters

Travels with Ciara: A Road Trip and a Civics Lesson

What Do People Need to Feel Heard?

In the wake of the devastating fires in Maui stood local residents and people from neighboring islands ready to pitch in. Scores of volunteers showed up with supplies and offers of housing, not waiting for government aid. Like so often happens in the U.S., the spirit of community showed the resilience and care that helps alleviate pain and aid survival.

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Experts have been worrying about the sad state of civic education for years, but at least one Massachusetts youth is getting an early start on her civic education. Along with her mother and uncle, eight-year-old Ciara Barber embarked on a road trip this summer, vowing to visit every city and town hall in Massachusetts, all 351 of them.

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Local officials know that not everyone is going to be happy with the decisions they make. As Abraham Lincoln said, “You can never please all of the people all of the time.” However, if residents feel as if their input has been considered, and that their ideas are valued, then they will be satisfied even if they don’t agree with every decision – that, at least, is the theory. Read more.

ActiVote: Your Personal Democracy App

Save the Date: Annual Conference on Citizenship

2024 All-America City Application Now Available!

Voting is one part of civic engagement and an opportunity for everyone to have their voice heard. ActiVote removes the obstacles that stop people from participating in our democracy by using data to empower people to vote in their local, state, and federal elections. In addition to providing the facts on candidates and elections, the app develops healthy civic habits by giving each voter one small action per day to impact our democracy.

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We have witnessed a dramatic increase in the power & impact of technology on our daily lives & on our democracy. To help make sense of the role of technology in our civic life, the National Conference on Citizenship and the National Civic League will convene a wide range of civic leaders, practitioners, elected officials, and technology experts to explore how we can shape the future of citizenship. Complete this save the date form to receive updates & a registration link. 

As the 2024 elections approach, communities are experiencing polarization, economic inequality, anti-democratic activities & racial and ethnically motivated violence. The 2024 All-America City Award will recognize communities that are finding innovative ways to equitably engage community members in activities that strengthen democratic processes, like making it easier to vote, engage in community affairs & serve in leadership roles. Download the application.