The Archival Researchers Association believes that it is vital for citizens to understand the responsibility of the Government, their three equal branches, and how laws are created. Introducing students to local, state, and federal responsibilities and actively having students participate in local issues teaches students the responsibilities of citizenship from an early age and conveys to them the democratic values that are the foundation of our republic.
Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have introduced the “Educating for Democracy Act of 2020.” It is the companion bill to one introduced in September by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) which will significantly increase federal financial support for history and civics education. Click here to see a summary of the bill.
The legislation authorizes $1 billion in spending each year over the next five fiscal years for grants to states, non-profits, institutions of higher education and researchers. The measure establishes new grant programs for state and local education agencies to strengthen and improve their approach to civic and history education. The bill provides funding for non-profit entities to develop or expand access to evidence-based curricula, instructional models, and other educational programs to enhance student knowledge and achievement in civics and history. Grants would be provided to higher education institutions to assist in developing and implementing programs to train elementary and secondary school teachers in methods for instructing and engaging students in civics and history.
Past Presidents have promoted the importance of a participating citizen. Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address said that Government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people. John F. Kennedy said “ask not what your country can do, but what you can do for your country”, and President Obama said, “It is the civil society leaders, who, in many ways, are going to have the more lasting impact… the most important title is not ‘president’ or ‘prime minister’; the most important title is ‘citizen.” “It is citizens — ordinary men and women, determined to forge their own future — who throughout history have sparked all the great change and progress.”
Please join us in this effort and ask your senator to support K-12 civics education!
Use this simple form to send a custom email to your senator in just a few seconds: Support the Educating for Democracy Act of 2020.
