Philanthropy Roundtable, with support from the Daniels Fund, launched a new Civics Playbook, a digital resource for donors looking to make wise investments in high-impact organizations dedicated to enhancing civics education nationwide. The organizations featured in this resource reflect the Roundtable’s core values of liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility and bring those values to bear in the crucial area of civics education.
Recent data show a concerning decline in civics knowledge, with only about one-in-six Americans able to name all three branches of government. A recent survey from the Annenberg Center at the University of Pennsylvania found around 5% of American adults can name all five fundamental freedoms in the First Amendment. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress report showed only 22% of students scored at or above the level of “proficient” in civics.
Today, more than ever, a well-informed citizenry is crucial for the maintenance of democracy and the honoring of America’s founding principles. Civics education helps ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, promoting a healthy democratic process. A broad spectrum of Americans — nearly 80% according to a recent poll — support a stronger emphasis on civics education in schools, recognizing its importance regardless of political affiliation.
The good news is philanthropists are increasingly recognizing and investing in the transformative potential of broad-based civic engagement that emphasizes traditional American values. The new Civics Playbook highlights 12 examples of these donors’ important work and sets the stage for philanthropists to make a transformational difference by investing in similar causes and nonprofits. The playbook focuses on organizations in three key buckets:
- Curriculum and teaching materials: These organizations are dedicated to providing a solid core of civics education classes. Examples include nonprofits such as the Georgia Center for Civics Education, which provides teacher workshops and curriculum development; the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement, also offering teacher training and curriculum materials that promote active civic participation and the National Association of Scholars’ Civics Alliance, which focuses on restoring proper civics education to K-12 schools.
- Investing in Teachers: Well-equipped instructors are the backbone of effective civics education. Nonprofits such as the Jack Miller Center facilitate a nationwide nonpartisan network of academic scholars, both in K-12 and higher education, dedicated to teaching civics in accord with America’s founding principles. Another example is the Bill of Rights Institute, which currently serves a network of more than 76,000 middle school and high school civics and history teachers, representing more than 38% of the market.
- Experiential learning: Nonprofits such as Founding Forward, the National Constitution Center, the Ashbrook Center and the Museum of the American Revolution give students a hands-on opportunity to experience the importance of civics in the American way of life. Moreover, undertakings such as the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative and the National Civics Bee facilitate opportunities for students to hone their civics knowledge through debate teams and live competitions. Additionally, Junior Achievement of Georgia integrates learning about the free market combined with the importance of civics engagement.
By supporting these high-impact nonprofits, philanthropists have the opportunity to make a profound difference in civics education based on American principles. Together, we can ensure future generations are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be active, informed and responsible citizens.
