Civic Work, Civic Lessons

Civic Work, Civic Lessons
Author: Thomas Ehrlich
Publisher: University Press of America
Total Pages: 203
Release: 2013-07-11
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0761861289

Civic Work, Civic Lessons explains how and why people of all ages, and particularly young people, should engage in public service as a vocation or avocation. Its authors are 57 years apart in age, but united in their passion for public service, which they term “civic work.” The book provides unique intergenerational perspectives. Thomas Ehrlich spent much of his career in the federal government. Ernestine Fu started a non-profit organization at an early age and then funded projects led by youth. Both have engaged in many other civic activities. An introductory chapter is followed by seven key lessons for success in civic work. Each lesson includes a section by each author. The sections by Ehrlich draw mainly from his experiences. Those by Fu draw on her civic work and that of many young volunteers whom the co-authors interviewed. The concluding chapter focuses on leveraging technologies for civic work. All profits received by the authors from the sale of this book will be donated to philanthropic organizations.

Making Democracy Work

Making Democracy Work
Author: Robert D. Putnam
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 282
Release: 1994-05-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 140082074X

"A classic."—New York Times "Seminal, epochal, path-breaking . . . a Democracy in America for our times."—The Nation From the bestselling author of Bowling Alone, a landmark account of the secret of successful democracies Why do some democratic governments succeed and others fail? In a book that has received attention from policymakers and civic activists in America and around the world, acclaimed political scientist and bestselling author Robert Putnam and his collaborators offer empirical evidence for the importance of "civic community" in developing successful institutions. Their focus is on a unique experiment begun in 1970, when Italy created new governments for each of its regions. After spending two decades analyzing the efficacy of these governments in such fields as agriculture, housing, and healthcare, they reveal patterns of associationism, trust, and cooperation that facilitate good governance and economic prosperity. The result is a landmark book filled with crucial insights about how to make democracy work.

How America Works

How America Works
Author: Elliott Rebhun
Publisher: Scholastic Teaching Resources
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2020-07
Genre:
ISBN: 9781338702316

Learning about civics shouldn't be boring. How America Works gives teens a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how the U.S. government works, why they should care and how they can get involved. But this isn't just any old civics primer. Appealing graphics and a conversational tone draw readers in from the very first page. Political cartoons and debates spark critical thought. And age-appropriate explanations make even the most complex civics topics accessible and easy to understand. In short, this comprehensive guide has everything teens need to know about government and civic engagement (and probably don't). 11 easily digestible units From the Declaration of Independence to civil rights and immigration, How America Works helps readers understand the foundations of our nation and the key civic issues facing America today--without dry or complicated language. Ideas for civic engagement It's easy for teens to feel like the government doesn't matter to them. But when they see their interests and concerns reflected on every page, they'll feel empowered to get involved. And we've got plenty of ideas to help them out. Perfect for teachers or parents Your middle- and high-school students are the voters, active citizens, and community leaders of tomorrow. When you give them How America Works, you're giving them a guide to making their voices heard. Exclusive online bonus Order now and get access to online videos, lessons and writing extensions that expand on the topics covered in the book. Here's what we cover: The Declaration of Independence The Constitution The Bill of Rights How Washington Works Supreme Court Cases Every Student Should Know The Presidency Why Voting Matters The Long Struggle for Civil Rights Immigration: Who Gets to Be an American? You and the Media Could You Pass America's Citizenship Test?

Learn about the United States

Learn about the United States
Author: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Publisher: Government Printing Office
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2009
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 9780160831188

"Learn About the United States" is intended to help permanent residents gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and government as they prepare to become citizens. The product presents 96 short lessons, based on the sample questions from which the civics portion of the naturalization test is drawn. An audio CD that allows students to listen to the questions, answers, and civics lessons read aloud is also included. For immigrants preparing to naturalize, the chance to learn more about the history and government of the United States will make their journey toward citizenship a more meaningful one.

Educating for Democracy

Educating for Democracy
Author: Anne Colby
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 387
Release: 2010-01-06
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9780470623589

Educating for Democracy reports the results of the Political Engagement Project, a study of educational practices at the college level that prepare students for responsible democratic participation. In this book, coauthors Anne Colby, Elizabeth Beaumont, Thomas Ehrlich, and Josh Corngold show that education for political development can increase students’ political understanding, skill, motivation, and involvement while contributing to many aspects of general academic learning.

Civic Education in the Twenty-First Century

Civic Education in the Twenty-First Century
Author: Michael T. Rogers
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 529
Release: 2015-09-18
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0739193503

Imagine an America where politicians, governmental institutions, schools, new technologies, and interest groups work together to promote informed, engaged citizens. Civic Education in the Twenty-First Century brings together scholars from various disciplines to show how such a United States is possible today. Inspired by Alexis de Tocqueville’s analysis of American democracy in the early 1800s, this edited volume represents a multidimensional evaluation of civic education in its new and varied forms. While some lament a civics crisis in America today, Civic Education in the Twenty-First Century raises hope that we can have an informed and active citizenry. We find the activities of a number of politicians, government institutions, schools and interest groups as promising developments in the struggle to educate and engage Americans in their democracy. New technologies and new innovations in civic education have laid the foundation for a revitalized American civic ecology. With Civic Education in the Twenty-First Century, we call for the United States to make these practices less isolated and more common throughout the county. The volume is broken into three major sections. First there are four chapters exploring the history and philosophical debates about civic education, particularly with respect to its role in America’s educational institutions. Then, the second section provides seven groundbreaking inquiries into how politicians and political institutions can promote civic education and engagement through their routine operations. As some examples, this section explores how politicians through campaigns and judiciaries through community programs enhance civic knowledge and encourage civic engagement. This section also explores how new technologies like the Internet and social media are increasingly used by government institutions and other entities to encourage a more politically informed and engaged citizenry. Finally, the third section contains six chapters that explore programs and practices in higher education that are enhancing civic education, engagement and our knowledge of them. From the virtual civics campus of Fort Hayes State to citizens’ academies throughout the country, this section shows the possibilities for schools today to once again be civics actors and promoters.

Supporting Civics Education with Student Activism

Supporting Civics Education with Student Activism
Author: Pablo A. Muriel
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2020-10-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1000198855

This book empowers teachers to support student activists. The authors examine arguments for promoting student activism, explore state and national curriculum standards, suggest activist projects, and report examples of student individual and group activism. By offering suggestions for engaging students as activists across the K-12 curriculum and by including the stories of student activists who became lifetime activists, the book demonstrates how activism can serve to bolster democracy and be a component of rich, experiential learning. Including interviews with student and teacher activists, this volume highlights issues such as racial and immigrant justice, anti-gun violence, and climate change.

Promoting Civic Engagement Through Art Education

Promoting Civic Engagement Through Art Education
Author: Flávia Bastos
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 428
Release: 2024-10-25
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1040117074

This textbook equips students and educators committed to understanding how art and creative practice work as powerful communicative tools and have a substantial role in advancing civic participation. Alongside promoting educational practices with learners’ civic engagement in mind, this book is a call to action, inviting creative educators to explore the potential of art for developing critical perspectives, articulating voices and diverse points of view, and engaging in dialogue across difference. Chapters assist students and educators in understanding critical concepts ranging from the protections afforded art under the constitution, to the role of civic institutions such as museums, community arts centers, and schools in advancing civic participation. They also present the relationship between art, education, and civic engagement using watershed political moments such as voter suppression initiatives, xenophobic reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread national Black Lives Matter protests. Readers are guided throughout with a series of key questions at the onset of each chapter and encouraged to investigate further the issues discussed through exploration of the many resources embedded in each chapter. Coursework and participatory learning experiences that orient future and current art educators to the relationship of the arts and culture to democracy are also featured. This book will be ideal for students in art education in both upper division undergraduate and graduate levels, with cross-curricular appeal for students of political science, social studies, sociology, public history, public anthropology, heritage studies, and public humanities. As well as this, it will be a must read for educators who are asked to respond to challenges within the political sphere, and how these political challenges are influencing educational environments.