As our democracy faces immense challenges—strained institutions, fragmented civil society, economic inequality, unequal representation, a changed media ecosystem, coarsening civic culture—it's up to all of us to take action. Read the experts' report on 31 strategies for action.
This article explores youth activism in the South before, during, and after the civil rights campaigns led by Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s census season in the United States and some may be asking what exactly the census is, how it’s done, and why. On this episode, Dr. Patrick Spero talks with former Director of the United States Census Bureau Dr. Kenneth Prewitt about the history of the census, the various methods that census-takers use to count […]
In the US, political institutions are often seen as neutral, but in fact they reflect choices and compromises about how we balance between majority and minority interests. How can different systems of electoral decision-making in a democracy can, by themselves, lead to very different outcomes? How can we reform political institutions to make them more […]
Help the Rhode Island State Archives transcribe the daily calendar of the President of the Rhode Island Women's Suffrage Association. Learn who she met with and what she did. This transcription will be valuable to scholars and all who are interested in the history of women's suffrage. Each card will take about 10 minutes to […]
The American Exchange Project is a fully-funded (that's right, FREE) summer exchange program for recently graduated high schoolers. We all should see the country in which we live, to experience life as our neighbors experience it, and to learn this country’s rich history and cultures from the people and places in it. Sign up for […]
2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment which enfranchised half of the population by granting women the right to vote. Learn about Margaret Brown’s own role in the suffrage movement and how much of the work to get women to the polls only just began in 1920, and together we’ll […]
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 26th Amendment, join the National Archives Foundation for a virtual program exploring the history of civic engagement among youth, the impact that young people had in the most recent election, and a discussion of what the future of civic engagement looks like for young women today.
In both the Richmond Bread Riot of 1863 and the ongoing protests against police brutality, we hear the voice of people who suffer from inequitable systems – in 1863, it was food distribution and inflation; now, it is systemic racism in the law enforcement and criminal justice system. Though not the same, placing the two […]
First Book and Pizza Hut's Empowering Educators program is a series of free resources designed to support educators in helping their students engage in effective, courageous conversations about race and social justice. We invite you--whether you're an educator, parent, or concerned citizen--to explore the Guidebook on Race & Racism and our digital series. Make yourself […]
One way families can connect with the past and mark the Civic Season together begins with talking about historical events and concepts related to the celebration. Talking about the Civic Season can include discussions about Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, as well as the Bill of Rights, Civil Rights and Service to Others. Start […]
American Conversations is an essay contest open to residents of Founders' Place Historical District, Inc. between the ages of 17 - 29. This is our second year to participate in Civic Season and to offer the essay contest as a way to engage you people in expressing their ideas about our history and civic questions. […]