Civic Ed. in the News

U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline of Rhode Island has introduced a bill to study whether or not students across the country are receiving a meaningful education on civics. This motion comes after a group of students from the state argued in court that their “constitutional rights had been violated by the lack of a quality civics education.”

Generation Citizen & iCivics have released a white paper on Equity in Civic Education containing findings and recommendations based on national conversations with students, parents, and educators – including a virtual listening session cohosted by CDF-Texas in Central Texas this summer. Read the full paper for more on making civics more inclusive and representative for all students.

CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning) has been collecting data on various groups and voter turnout this past general election. Incredibly, approximately 55% of Gen-Z voters participated in this year’s election, a number comparable to other age groups’ traditional voter turnout. Wort Radio of Madison, Wisconsin interviews CIRCLE here on the topic!

Pulsante, a $3 million dollar investment fund, has been disseminating grants to individuals and groups who actively take a role in their civic environments. The group is focused on supporting “the funding and resources necessary to empower defenders of democracy and human rights” across Latin America, and has been highlighted by magazines such as Forbes for its commitement to sustainability.

December 2020

Election Day is behind us and the results have been certified but our work to engage & empower young Texans only continues from here. Runoff elections are in full swing while COVID-19 continues to wreak record-levels of hardship & tragedy around the country. Read on for more resources regarding voting and stories of community leaders in December’s TX Civic Education Newsletter.

1. Is there a runoff election taking place in my community? Research what’s on your local runoff ballot, and head to your polling place to join the record-breaking number of Texans who have already made their voices heard. Runoff elections are unusual – but an important process that typically see low & unrepresentative turnout.

2. The 2021 Texas Legislative Session is upon us! Next month marks the beginning of the 87th Convening in Austin, learn more about the Texas Legislature here. As legislators continue to file bills, we are tracking proposals related to voting & civic education.

3. COVID-19 has exacerbated many of the stresses that often accompany an election cycle. As we said last month, remember to give yourself time to breathe, process, check-in with your friends, and take care of yourself too! Happy holidays from CDF-TX, and may this be a season of rest, safety, and community care for us all.

Click here to add someone to or unsubscribe from our mailing list. Want to see your announcement in next month’s newsletter? Contact Maggie Stern at mstern@childrensdefense.org.

LEADING THROUGH A CRISIS

With the holiday season approaching, this month we are highlighting organizations that are taking an active role in altruism and advocacy across the continent.

El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico

The Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas is a volunteer organization that offers assistance to migrants, immigrants, and refugees in the border community. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Annunciation House has continued to operate and support the community! They have also partnered with their sister organization, Casa del Migrante, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in order to aid migrants and immigrants there as well! Learn more about Annunciation House and Casa del Migrante.

New York City, NY

The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committe e in New York City is another volunteer organization that has been working to collect donations for at-risk populations in prison. Donations go directly to individuals in the form of a monthly commissary and have been pivotal as COVID-19 ravages prison populations.

Mexico City, Mexico

Fondo Semillas is a non-profit based in Mexico City that provides assistance to women across the country. Their programs seek to empower women in work, in their identity, in their bodies, and on their land. COVID-19 has only exacerbated problems surrounding equality in Mexico, so their work continues. Check them out here!

View previous editions of our Civic Education newsletter!

December Civic Education Newsletter

The Civic Education Newsletter is our monthly publication that allows you to stay updated on the latest announcements in civic education. Subscribe to receive the newsletter directly to your inbox!

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