CIVIC EDUCATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Democracy doesn’t maintain itself — it needs participation, knowledge, and the courage to use both.
For too long, civic education has been treated like an afterthought, while voter engagement is left to election years and partisan campaigns. It’s time to make civic literacy and participation a permanent, living part of American life.
THE PROBLEM
Civic education funding has been gutted in most states, leaving generations of Americans unsure how government even works.
Misinformation spreads faster than truth because citizens don’t know how to verify sources or challenge falsehoods.
Many communities — especially rural, low-income, and minority — are disconnected from local decision-making and representation.
Town halls and hearings are often inaccessible or held at inconvenient times, discouraging public attendance.
Civic participation is too often reduced to a vote every four years, not a conversation every day.
An uninformed public is easy to manipulate — but an educated one is unstoppable.
OUR PLAN - TEACH, EMPOWER, ENGAGE
We’ll build a culture where every citizen knows their power and how to use it:
National Civic Education Standards — Reinstate robust civics in every school, including voting rights, government structure, and media literacy.
Public Participation Grants — Fund community centers, libraries, and nonprofits that host local forums, debates, and voter-education drives.
Civic Engagement Hubs — Online and in-person platforms where residents can see local issues, propose ideas, and comment directly on pending legislation.
Voting 101 for Adults — Free, nonpartisan workshops on registration, ballot initiatives, and how to contact representatives.
Community Listening Sessions — Require elected officials to hold quarterly open meetings with public Q&A — not scripted talking points.
Youth Leadership Fellowships — Paid internships and fellowships for high-school and college students in local government offices.
Civic Education Media Fund — Support for documentaries, podcasts, and social campaigns that make democracy engaging and understandable.
WHY IT MATTERS
A government “of the people” only works when the people understand it — and believe their voice matters.
Teaching civics and creating ways to participate keeps democracy healthy, informed, and resilient against extremism.
“Democracy isn’t automatic — you have to know how to drive it.”