Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

Action Civics

Action Civics

  • New York’s Opportunity to Become a Model for Effective Civics Education

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    (photo via the Governor's Office)


    Could New York be the next state to catch the civics bug and modernize its civics education standards? Hopefully, state legislators and policymakers are watching Massachusetts, which just took a big step forward by creating a national model for effective civics education.

    Two short days after the November 6 election, Massachusetts adopted cutting-edge legislation (S-2631) that, when implemented, will ensure that every Massachusetts student receives a project-based civics education, equipping them with the skills,

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  • Teaching Our Children Democracy

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    (photo: Benjamin Kanter/Mayor's Office)


    People marching in the streets to protest the Trump administration’s policies often chant “This is what democracy looks like!” It’s a good reminder because many Americans have forgotten. Too many of us have taken for granted the rights and freedoms guaranteed us by the United States Constitution. But not anymore. Not when states threaten to arrest people who exercise their right to assemble and a president uses his office to bludgeon people whom he calls “losers.”

    The New York Society for Ethical

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  • The Most Important Step to Reinvigorating Our Democracy

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    Council Speaker Mark-Viverito (in green) visits a school (photo: William Alatriste)


    As we reflect on the recent September primary election in New York City -- where only 14% of active registered Democrats actually cast a ballot, a 53 percent drop in turnout compared to the 2016 Democratic presidential primary -- we are concerned that the city citizenry is not adequately prepared for responsible voting. But, how can we expect young people, or adults for that matter, to participate in our democracy if we have not educated them to do so?

    Many have blamed turnout woes on a

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