For the People, By the People
On civic action
This week, we took a poll and found that most of you read local news only sometimes, to an average of 1-3 times a week. Here’s how people all around the country are getting involved:
Cleveland Scene (Cleveland, OH): National Week of Conversation Asks: Can What Unites Us End Toxic Polarization?
Last week was the National Week of Conversation. At a time when Americans seem more polarized than ever the Ohio News Connection addresses the issue of “toxic polarization” and how to end it.
Rev. Dr. Jeff Sullivan, executive director of the Ohio Council of Churches, said listening to differing points of view can challenge long-held beliefs and assumptions, which is understandably uncomfortable. He suggests starting a conversation with what unites us as human beings.
WJLA (Fairfax, VA): Fairfax County teen uses political passion to encourage young people’s civic engagement
A Northern Virginia teenager who grew up overseas saw first hand the negative effects of a government that’s “unresponsive to its people.” That experience inspired this young man to get involved locally to make changes for a stronger democracy.
Oil City News (Casper, WY): Beyond food insecurity: Food for Thought marks Juneteenth with civic engagement.
A Casper, Wyoming organization honored the Juneteenth holiday by hosting a free community picnic to address the issue of food insecurity. Read more about how Wyoming Food for Thought recognized this new federal holiday.
On civic education
According to the Nation’s Report Card only 15% of students are proficient in American history and only 24% in civics. While immigrants are passing the citizenship test at a rate of better than 90% only one in three Americans can pass it. Take this short quiz and see where you stack up.
The Atlantic: Why Civics Class Should Be Sexy
The Franklin Project wants to make civics sexy again! This oldie, but goodie from The Atlantic makes the case for why it should be sexy. While the article itself is over nine years the issue it addresses makes you think it could have been written today. Check out this article on the “power” of civics….
Next steps
Did you know that 54% of Americans view other Americans as the biggest threat to our way of life? (YouGov, 2021) This Fourth of July weekend, we are amplifying resources to help you bridge the divide! Stay tuned to learn more about organizations who are strengthening democracy.
New Conversation Starters are on our site to guide your discussions with your Junto clubs, friends, and family.
Share the pledge with this free download!
We want to hear from you. How is your community fighting for democracy? Email us photos, videos, or stories of how people in your circle or your local community are living out the pledge for a chance to be featured.
