Civic Skills

Civic Skills

These guides provide the skills of citizenship: using our voice, having critical conversations, and staying informed.


Youth Advocacy

Advocacy is the act or process of writing or speaking in favor of, or supporting, a cause. Teaching youth at the earliest ages about using their voice prepares them to be civically engaged now and later. It teaches them to learn more about issues and see each person as a valued member of society with an equal vote and an important voice. Learning about issues and using our voice is a right and a civic responsibility and vital to a healthy democracy. Raise your civic voice with this Youth Voters Guide. The guide below defines advocacy and sparks action.

 

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Media Literacy

What stories dominate the news cycle and why? Are they fact-based or "fake news"? This guide helps young people identify credible sources, evaluate the role of media, recognize bias, and use critical-thinking related to current events and controversial topics.

 

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Critical and Civil Conversations

Talking about important topics sparks the best critical thinking as well as the strongest opinions. When conversations about critical topics are based on a sensitive and structured approach, teaching what’s current helps young people grow and contribute as informed, responsible, and generous citizens. This guide provides tips and resources about addressing challenging issues to establish a safe environment, promote respectful dialogue, leverage facts, and talk about news and current events with young people.

 

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These activities, papers, and toolkits help youth explore the issues they have identified as areas of need in their community or what they care about. They may discuss, seek knowledge from experts, or do more research.

The Mini-Courses provide online training in philanthropy education and service-learning. In your own time and at your desktop, learn methods of thoughtful service-learning, as well as the history, practice, and benefits of philanthropy, for educators, nonprofit professionals, parents, and volunteers.