Every other week, GC picks out a selection of articles that are relevant to our work and to the civic education space as a whole. We at GC love to expand our learning in every aspect of what we do, and we hope you enjoy our selections!

 

Now or Never for Civic Education. US News and World Report

This op-ed explains that we have reached a critical point for civic education in the United States, and must “restore the public purpose of public education.” The author discusses the need for schools to see civic education as central to their mission and outlines hurdles that must be overcome.

 

Farmer’s Daughter: Respect, don’t revile, rural American voters. Ag Daily

The author, an attorney and agriculture writer, reacts to the disdain directed toward rural voters that she felt throughout the election. She writes that rural voters played a key role in deciding the election, and we all must better understand and respect their place in society and the electorate.

 

How Stable Are Democracies? ‘Warning Signs Are Flashing Red.’ New York Times.

New research analyzing global survey data suggests that citizens of many stable, liberal democracies, including the United States, are increasingly skeptical of democracy, and feel more open to authoritarian rule. These trends are especially pronounced among young people. However, others believe these conclusions are overblown. The researchers defend and elaborate on their work here.

 

One Way To Bridge The Political Divide: Read The Book That’s Not For You. NPR

One way to go #BeyondTheBallot is to have a conversation with someone you disagree with. While not the same as an interpersonal conversation, books can give us a powerful way to engage with people, ideas, and perspectives different from our own.