Participating in our democracy starts with solid civic education. That means equitable resources and tools in schools to help young people learn how our government works and how to engage with it. Right now, only 38 states require a semester of high school civics, with even fewer requiring a full year. Strong civic engagement = making informed decisions when voting and advocating for issues that are important to us.

This Civic Learning Week (March 6-10) we’re celebrating by supporting the Civics Secures Democracy Act, which “protects the health of our constitutional democracy by prioritizing American history and civics in our nation’s schools.” It promises to fund history and civic education that empowers students to be active in our democracy. Without this, we could be missing out on a stellar opportunity to provide the equitable education we need to make the changes we wish to see.

This year’s Civic Learning Week comes at a time when civic education is under attack. That’s why we’re writing to our representatives to support the Civics Secures Democracy Act.

We stan civic learning that allows young people to know the ins and outs of our democracy. With these tools, we can step into our civic power to make long, lasting, and tangible change. So, will you join us in taking action this Civic Learning Week?!

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Civic education extends beyond the classroom, and our members prove it! In fact, 2023 is still an election year and there are plenty of races where your voice--and vote--can make a difference. Make sure you're registered to vote today! 

DoSomething members are dedicated to civic leadership by helping with voter registration and emphasizing how important it is to know what a successful democracy looks like. Here’s what they’re saying:

“In a democracy, every vote counts,” said DoSomething member Benjamin J., 18. “That’s why it’s so important that I vote this November. My vote is my voice. It’s my way of telling my elected officials what I care about and what I want them to do. It’s my way of holding them accountable. Voting is also how I exercise my rights as a citizen. It’s how I participate in the democratic process. And finally, voting is how I make sure that my voice is heard. If I don’t vote, I can’t complain about the government or the direction it’s going. I have to use my vote to make the change I want to see.”

“The most important issue facing young people right now is the state of our democracy,” said DoSomething member Donovan N., 24.  “Especially during this past election with so many claims of fraud, this is an important issue because if we can't vote for our future and leaders who will represent us and work with us, we lose our voice.”

“As an international student and a first-time voter, I can say that it is so important by the end what the representative of the country can do for us to be in a better place and how our country gets better. Getting people and teenagers knowledgeable about voting allows us to be and have a better nation,” said DoSomething member Thaymiluz S., 19.

Being civically engaged doesn’t stop with voting during big elections. In fact, democracy is a full-contact sport! You can also support legislation like the Civics Secures Democracy Act by emailing your representatives today!

Have you heard… about Alaina Wood, aka Garbage Queen? She’s a climate communicator and sustainability scientist who uses her social media platform to educate viewers on the climate crisis. You go, (garbage) queen!

ICYMI… A DoSomething member started this sweet organization called Kids for Climate Action, and they’re looking for volunteers in Florida! Their first meeting is taking place May 6! You can sign up to join today. Support a fellow DS member AND fight climate change? Sounds pretty awesome!

Making history… is Daniela Arroyo González, who will be the first trans woman to compete in the Puerto Rico Miss Universe pageant this year. She’s been a trailblazer in trans advocacy since she was 18!

Happy birthday to… the poetic genius Amanda Gorman! She’s turning 25 today, so celebrate her fierceness by checking out our 6 favorite poems by her.

Fastweb Opportunity 

It's March, so you know what that means: Madness! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $1,000 no-essay scholarship through March 31st! And all you have to do is answer one simple question. 

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: What is your favorite college mascot?

Calling all NYC members!

The New York Urban League just launched the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholarship, and you can enter to earn it today! Eligible participants will receive a scholarship ranging from $1.5K to 10K, participate in professional development activities, and be mentored by volunteers of the New York Urban League. Uhm, sweet deal! Learn more and apply today!

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