Nancy Brinker United States Ambassador


A


Civic Education Key to Future


s americans, we are privileged to live in the world’s oldest democracy — a nation built on the


ideals of liberty, justice, and freedom. But today, we face an alarming


reality: The battle for America’s future and the strength of our demo- cratic ideals isn’t being waged in the halls of Washington, D.C.; it’s being lost inside our classrooms. Civic education, the cornerstone


of informed and engaged citizen- ship, is no longer given the priority it deserves in our schools. According to a 2021 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, less than half of U.S. adults could name the three branches of government. Even more alarming, only one in four eighth graders scored as profi cient in civics on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. This decline in civic literacy


refl ects a disturbing trend — a discon- nection between our children and the democratic values that have made this nation strong. The consequences of this crisis


were readily apparent during the most-recent elections. Polarization, disinformation, and


political disengagement are rampant. Our society is becoming increasingly divided, and fewer Americans trust institutions or feel equipped to meaningfully participate in democratic processes. If we are to secure a


future grounded in the principles that have long defi ned us, we must restore and strengthen civic edu- cation in every classroom across this country. Justice Sandra Day


28 NEWSMAX | DECEMBER 2024


O’Connor recognized the gravity of this situation long before it became a national conversation. After retir- ing from the U.S. Supreme Court, she dedicated much of her time and energy to advancing civic education. In 2009, she founded iCivics, a


nonprofi t organization that provides interactive resources to teach young Americans about government, law, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Justice O’Connor understood that


fostering an educated, engaged citi- zenry was essential for the surviv- al of our republic. Her eff orts laid the groundwork for what must now become a national priority. It’s time to take up the mantle


Justice O’Connor left behind. We need a renewed focus on civics in our schools, from elementary education through high school. This means not only teaching the


structure of government but also helping students understand their role in it — how they can engage in their communities, contribute to pub- lic discourse, and vote with knowl- edge and confi dence. Civic education must go beyond textbooks. We should encourage experiential learning, such as mock elections, debates, and service proj- ects, to make democracy tangible for students.


Programs like iCivics


are an excellent start, but we need federal, state, and local investment in these eff orts.


O’CONNOR


Moreover, parents, community leaders, and educators need to champi- on this cause at every level. The stakes couldn’t be


higher. Our classrooms are where tomorrow’s voters, leaders, and patri- ots are molded. If we fail to instill in them the values of democratic partici- pation, the very fabric of our nation is at risk. We’ve seen what happens when democracy is misunderstood or taken for granted. The past few years have underscored the fragility of our sys- tem and the importance of safeguard- ing it. It’s not too late to act, but time is of the essence. Civic education must be revital-


ized, not just as a subject, but as a national mission. As a country, we’ve always risen to


meet the challenges before us. This is no diff erent. By strengthening civic education, we can empower the next generation to defend and sustain the democratic ideals that have made America a beacon of hope for the world. Sandra Day O’Connor believed


that “knowledge is power.” Let’s honor her legacy by ensuring that the power to shape our nation’s future lies in the hands of informed, engaged citizens. It’s in our classrooms — not just


our Congress — where America’s future is truly forged.


Nancy Brinker is founder of the Promise Fund of Florida and former U.S. ambassador to Hungary.


CHILDREN/HILL STREET STUDIOS/GETTY IMAGES / O’CONNOR/DIANA WALKER/GETTY IMAGES


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100