Civics Publishing Opportunity: NCSS Gallery of Writing

From: Herczog_Michelle Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu
Subject: NCSS Gallery of Writing: Citizenship in the 21st Century!

Opportunity to Publish in the

National Council for the Social Studies Gallery of Writing!

NCSS Gallery Theme: Citizenship in the 21st Century

The National Council for the Social Studies is a partner in the National Gallery of Writing, an online exhibition of writing hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Gallery URL: http://galleryofwriting.org/galleries/national_council_for_the_social_studies_gallery

What does an effective citizen do? Why are effective citizens necessary in a participatory democracy? What should students learn about history, civics, economics and/or geography in order to be prepared for their roles as citizens? What are the roles of parents, teachers and others in preparing effective citizens? What important person in your life—parent, friend, sibling, teacher or other role model—has contributed substantively to your understanding of citizenship, and how? What cases, examples, or instances of effective citizenship have you observed, participated in and/or supported? Send us your ideas, stories, pictures, or other responses.

Submit your writing today!

Each person can submit one piece of writing that is important to them (be it a letter, digital composition, video, or other format.) It just takes a few minutes to upload your submission.

The pieces will be unveiled on October 20, 2009 as part of The National Day on Writing, a nationwide celebration highlighting the variety and importance of writing in daily life.

Five Freedoms Newsletter - March 2009

From: Herczog_Michelle <Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu>


Degrees of Freedom
The Monthly Newsletter of the Five Freedoms Project
March 2009

Attached is the March 2009 edition of Degrees of Freedom, the monthly newsletter of the Five Freedoms Project. This issue's theme focuses on "Citizenship, Participation and Democracy," sharing some ideas and resources for engaging participation. You'll find the latest You Be The Judge case, read about a book resource that explores the classic roots of democracy, and meet a Network member who models participation in democratic schooling practices. Enjoy!

If you haven't done so, please visit www.fivefreedoms.org , the companion site to our online network, filled with resources and ideas to support your efforts to empower our young people with voice and visibility. If you have ideas or suggestions for The Five Freedoms Project and/or the Network, please drop me a line at kcarter@fivefreedoms.org.

And please continue to help us spread the word to all friends and colleagues you think would benefit from joining our growing - and increasingly international - community of people committed to First Amendment freedoms, democratic schools, and the idea that all children deserve to be seen and heard.

For more information,
please contact:
Kim Carter
Five Freedoms Project
One Nation. Many Voices.
kcarter@fivefreedoms.org
www.fivefreedoms.org

Anniversary of the 19th Amendment: Civic Education Resources

From: Heather Martin [mailto:heatherm@etr.org]

It was in August of 1920 that the 19th Amendment of the US Constitution came into effect, giving women the right to vote.

In the last presidential election, voter turnout was higher for women (65 percent) than for men (62 percent), according to the US Census Bureau
(http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/voting/004986.html).

Women today are participating in the political process and holding key leadership positions as well. The first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives was Jeannette Rankin (R-MT), whose first term in Congress was from 1917-1919, a period in time when many women across the country still did not have the right to vote. Now, more than 80 years later a record 91 women are serving in the 110th United States Congress. Of the 246 women who have served in Congress a total of 27 African American or black women have served in Congress (one in the Senate, 26 in the House), including the 14 serving in the 110th Congress. Seven Hispanic women have been elected to the House; all are serving in the 110th Congress. Four Asian American women have served in the House, including two in the 110th Congress.

Source: Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2008

http://156.33.195.33/reference/resources/pdf/RL30261.pdf

Our nation’s history provides an excellent jumping off point for getting students involved in service and civic engagement. Learn and Serve America’s National Service-Learning Clearinghouse has resources available to help you connect the two.

For more information and resources on service-learning and citizenship/civic engagement see these NSLC Library Items and NSLC-produced resources:

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
This program focuses on the history and principles of the U.S. constitution and Bill of Rights for elementary through high school. The curriculum not only enhances understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy, it also helps students identify the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Critical thinking exercises, problem-solving activities, and cooperative learning techniques help develop participatory skills necessary for students to become active, responsible citizens.

http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=5184

http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=5186

http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=5182

Hot Topic: Citizenship
http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/hot_topics/citizenship/index.php

Hot Topic: Civics and History
http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/hot_topics/civics__history/index.php

Hot Topic: Civic Engagement
http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/hot_topics/civics__history/index.php

Citizenship and Service-Learning in K-12 Schools

http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/k-12_facts/citizenship/index.php

-------
Heather Martin, MISt
Librarian
Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
America's Resource for Service-Learning Information
Toll-free 866-245-7378, ext. 240
Fax 831-430-9471
heatherm@etr.org
www.servicelearning.org