Dear John,

As you prepare to teach your students about the Civil War, giving them an understanding of how the Founding Principles of liberty, equality, and justice contributed to struggle to end slavery from the Colonial Era to the Civil War will help them see the bigger picture. 

Our Plainest Demands of Justice resource explores the ways in which laws, policies, the courts, individuals, and groups supported and opposed Founding principles throughout American history.

This week we're sharing a primary source, designed to supplement your existing materials. It is part of an 1829 pamphlet written by David Walker who witnessed the evils of slavery and racism during his childhood in North Carolina. After moving to Boston, he met activists who shared his desire to end slavery. Walker urged enslaved people to rebel against their masters to bring about an immediate abolition of slavery.

Our MyImpact Challenge curriculum gives students a robust understanding of the role of the citizen in civil society by exploring the pillars of citizenship: entrepreneurship, charity, and government. It is developed with multiple implementations in mind, including classrooms, afterschool programs, and social clubs. With original background essays, guided resources, and rubrics, students will write a research report on the impacts of these different efforts, then develop and implement a project that exemplifies everyday citizenship. Explore it today!

Get your students into dialogue with other students from around the country on current events. This week's Think the Vote question is:  Can Individuals Sue State Governments For Using Fossil Fuels Because They Have a Right to a “Healthy Environment”?

The best student answer on each side is awarded a prize and entered into the grand-prize drawing at the end of the school year. Referring teachers of the student winners will also win prizes!