WEB RESOURCES on POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Visit the following web sites for more information on how to connect your students to public life. Some of these sites provide information while others outline opportunities for getting students connected to their communities. Unless otherwise noticed, all quoted material is taken directly from the listed web sites.
The Junior Statesmen of America
The Junior Statesmen of America is the largest student-run high school organization in America. It is filled with members that are interested in politics, government, debate, the law, and education. In JSA, students organize every aspect of the organization, from the school chapter level to national administration. JSA members can take part in 3 overnight conventions: Spring State, Congress, and Fall State. Find out how you and your students can be part of this interesting organization.
At http://www.jsa.org
The American Political Science Association Online (APSANET)
APSA has complied a helpful list of more than 60 organizations working on civic education. The organizations listed by APSANET are actively fostering the development of informed, responsible participation in civic life. The organizations listed focused on a citizenry committed to the fundamental values of the American constitutional democracy.
At http://www.apsanet.org
AMERICORPS
The Corporation for National Service website will help you find out more about Americorps and other volunteer opportunities.
At http://www.nationalservice.org
America's Promise: Alliance for Youth
America's Promise was run by Colin Powell before he became the Secretary of State. This site can link students to volunteer opportunities in their community. The mission of America's Promise is to mobilize Americans to build the character and competence of the nation's youth.
At http://www.americaspromise.org/
The American Promise
This website supplements the PBS series of the same name. Its goal is to bring democracy alive by providing videos and teaching guides for grades K-12. The new Service Learning Guide targets social studies teachers and is free. Teachers can also use an on-line idea exchange.
At http://www.americanpromise.com/
Active Citizenship: Empowering America's Youth
This site offers a high schoolcurriculum, which seeks to develop the intellectual and moral skills necessary to preserve democracy. The curriculum offered by Active Citizenship, Empowering America's Youth, addresses underlying rights, responsibilities, and civic values of U.S. citizenship. As part of the curriculum, students can find a service learning group project to get their hands on a real problem in their community.
At http://www.activecitizenship.org/
For Chicago-based users: Chicago Volunteer
This site is maintained by United Way and provides numerous links to volunteer organizations in the Chicago Area. Opportunities are organized by interest, experience and region.
At http://www.chicagovolunteer.net/
First Amendment Cyber Tribune (FACT)
To find out more about civil disobedience and the freedom of expression, visit the First Amendment Cyber Tribune (FACT). This website seeks to be a resource for those wanting to learn about the First Amendment. FACT provides information on all the liberties guaranteed by the amendment. Find useful links to other sites that have relevant material.
At http://nationalparalegal.edu/conLawCrimProc_Public/FreedomOfExpression/FreedomOfExpression.asp
You The People
You The People constitutes a participatory, interactive civics and citizenship study program implemented in schools and communities. The program's goal is to promote active citizenry, regardless of one's political views, in a civil and skilled manner. As such, this program does not rely on any ideology or belief, but also on the ideals of the U.S. Constitution and the American history of civil democratic discourse. Schools and community groups in the U.S.A. are using this program. Find out more about it.
At http://www.youthepeople.com/