
Reflection and Action for Civic Participation
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- Civics & Citizenship
- History
Grade
8–12Duration
One 50-min class period- Democracy & Civic Engagement
Overview
About This Lesson
Political philosopher Danielle Allen describes democracy as “a combination of ideals and institutions that work to put power in the hands of ordinary people.” Further, she argues that the essence of democracy is the active involvement of people. She also emphasizes the importance of listening to young people in order to address the future of democracy.
Young people "see the shape of our world presently" as they learn, grow, and anticipate the ways that they will pursue their future careers and provide for their well-being as well as their family’s. In this lesson, students will consider the importance of young people in making democracy work, and then they will use a framework of questions created by Allen and her colleagues at the Youth Participatory Politics Action Frame to analyze stories of individuals who participated positively in the world around them.
Lesson Plan
Activities
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