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Dear John,
In early May, the Department of Education released the “Nation’s Report Card” on how eighth-grade students across America are performing in civics and U.S. history. The results confirm what we already know: America is facing a civics crisis. Students’ history scores were the lowest since the history test was first administered in 1998, and civics scores dropped for the first time since 1994.
The National Constitution Center has a way forward. At this pivotal moment for our country, I invite you to become a Member or make a donation, and deepen your engagement with us as we inspire the nonpartisan constitutional education and civil deliberation so vital to America’s success.
By bringing together experts with diverse perspectives across the political spectrum to model thoughtful discussion, we give students, educators, and lifelong learners the tools they need to explore the best arguments on all sides of past and present constitutional debates, and inspire conversations in classrooms and communities across America.
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, we receive little government support and rely on our wonderful community of donors for making our work possible.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of learners across the country and around the world join us to strengthen their civic knowledge and practice their civil dialogue skills through our free educational programs and resources. From live online classes, to virtual tours, to professional development programs for educators, we’re filling the gap in civics education and providing students with a foundational understanding of the Constitution they can carry with them throughout their lives.
And we have evidence our approach works. In research conducted during the pilot of our new Constitution 101 curriculum, 20% of participating students reported an increased desire to engage in difficult conversations both inside and outside their classrooms.
“That was such an amazing experience: not just for me but my students as well. I haven’t seen them that engaged and question-filled all year! They clapped for themselves and asked when we can do it again after we logged off!”
We’re here to meet the needs of adult learners as well, through programming like our America’s Town Hall series and We the People podcasts that explore the constitutional issues at the heart of American life. By convening thought leaders from across the legal and political spectrum for discussions that model how to disagree without being disagreeable, we create a space for generating transformational ideas and building communities of open-minded citizens.
“The We the People team consistently produce high-quality, timely content featuring guests with deep knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, its application, and history. Just the sort of show we need during these fractious times.”
There is a solution to our civics education crisis—and it starts with you. Become a Member or make your gift to the National Constitution Center today, and together, we can ensure that the U.S. Constitution, the greatest vision of human freedom in history, continues to serve as a beacon of light and learning for generations to come.
Sincerely,
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