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Choosing to Participate

Our approach helps students understand that people make choices and choices make history. Students learn that participating in a democracy involves many small choices and decisions as well as ambitious acts and social movements.

Making a Positive Difference

Facing History believes the paramount purpose of education is to prepare students to become active and thoughtful participants in society who can make a positive difference in the world. Schools are a microcosm of democracy, and students develop and strengthen their “participation muscles”—a combination of civic skills, knowledge, and dispositions—throughout their education.

The concept of choosing to participate grew out of Facing History’s early work with middle school students who learned about the steps that led to the Holocaust, including the failure of democracy, and wanted to know, “How can I make a positive difference so this doesn’t happen again?”

Our approach helps students understand that progress toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive society has never been inevitable; rather, it is the result of the choices large and small by both individuals and groups.

Cartoon of speaker and audience.

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An upstander is a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied. Find out how we help students become upstanders.

People make choices. Choices make history.

Learn More About Our Unique Approach

Reading

Consider the power that words have to influence people to act on behalf of others.

C.P. Ellis, a white man, and Ann Atwater, a Black woman, sit together holding hands.

Insight

by Karen Murphy

Aug 18, 2022

This piece offers a number of ideas for getting involved in one’s community and beginning to pinpoint areas where we are each best poised to make an impact.

Picture of civic superpower.

Impact Story

by Clare L., Ohio

Jan 24, 2018

A student describes the impact of her “Dangers of Indifference” course on her worldview and how it connects with the tenets of her faith.

A close up of a marble statue with hands clasped together.

Facing History Encourages Civic Engagement

93% of students participating in a Facing History student leadership group agreed that it is important to get involved in improving their community.

Read About Our Impact

I grew up believing my voice was never meant to be heard. The courage of these survivors made me realize that not using your voice is a choice, standing by is a choice. If we could teach that to every student, just imagine how quickly the world might change.

— Emily C., Recipient of the 2018 New York Upstander Award

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Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 17, 2022

Facing History shares five books that have been released in the last year that address important themes in women’s history.

Book Cover of Woman: The American History of an Idea

Insight

by Facing History & Ourselves

Mar 14, 2022

Explore resources that offer additional points of entry that educators can use to situate the Ukrainian refugee crisis in broader global histories of displacement and highlight its connections to other refugee crises unfolding around the globe.

The definition of refugee spotlighted on a page

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 10, 2022

Facing History provides links to 10 virtual exhibitions that teachers can use to introduce students to women's history.

Woman waving at her computer while on a virtual call

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 8, 2022

Facing History summarizes the significance of the Supreme Court Justice nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Dec 14, 2021

Below are 6 books published in 2021 that speak to underacknowledged dimensions of human rights in history, teaching, and contemporary global society.

The words, "human rights" are highlighted within a text.

Insight

by R.R. Rubin

Mar 24, 2022

Facing History describes the wave of Anti-Transgender legislation happening in the US, and how this affects our trans youth.

crowd of people outside with a sign raised to protect trans kids

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 21, 2022

Facing History summarizes three new books that have been released in the last year that address the ongoing struggle of women against gender violence.

Colorful quilted portrait of activist Tarana Burke

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 18, 2022

Facing History provides a list of five YA titles that have been released in the last year that make important themes in women’s history and contemporary life accessible to young readers.

Patriotic Graphic with Banner that reads Good Girls Don't Make History

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 4, 2022

Facing History invites teachers to take a deeper dive into the histories and experiences of women around the nation in work with their students.

Mary Church Terrell in chair black and white photo

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Mar 2, 2022

Facing History invites educators to check out the following 5 classroom resources that offer a look at women making history in various contexts and/or contemporary experiences and contributions within various domains.

Women's History Month Graphic

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Feb 28, 2022

The approaches that Black leaders have embraced across space and time are numerous and have encompassed assimilationist and integrationist conceptions of social change, alongside contrasting approaches rooted in Black self-determination and nationalism.

Photo of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Talking

Impact Story

by Jen Langley

Apr 22, 2022

Facing History Sr. Director of Marketing & Analytics Jen Langley reflects on her personal connection to the Armenian Genocide.

Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of The Armenians cover.

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