Promoting Democracy
Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and engaged. Facing History classrooms are microcosms of democracy where students learn that they belong, they have a stake, and that their voices matter.
Preserving our Democracy
By making democratic values visible in the classroom and by recognizing that the social world of young people is already a civic space, our student-centered approach makes civic learning more authentic and relevant. Facing History students learn about the importance of actively working to preserve our democracy.
“Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”
John Lewis
Civil Rights Leader & Congressman
Compared to their peers, Facing History students were 69% more likely to report feeling strongly that it is their responsibility to be actively involved in state and local issues.
Read About Our Impact
Examining Democracy
We know that an engaged citizenry is vital for sustaining and upholding a healthy democracy, and throughout history we have been reminded of democracy’s fragility. Facing History students examine the concept of democracy itself, learning that democracy is more than a form of government—it encompasses the individuals, communities, and historical legacies that undergird our very institutions.
Eddie Glaude Jr. and a Multiracial Democracy
Eddie Glaude Jr. and a Multiracial Democracy
Watch the full conversation with Eddie Glaude Jr.
Teaching Resources for the US Elections
Use these resources on voting, media literacy, polarization, and bias to talk about US elections with your high school and middle school students.
The Hope and Fragility of Democracy in the United States
In this mini-lesson, students learn about the history of democratic and anti-democratic efforts in the United States and examine sources that illuminate this tension from Reconstruction through today.
In a democracy, the highest office is the office of citizen.
—
Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurther
Attend an Event
Outstanding learning opportunities. Thought-provoking conversations. Inspiring stories from students and teachers. Join us for an upcoming event and experience the power of Facing History.
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January 6th
The January 6th investigation has deepened widespread concerns about rising threats of fascism, racism, white nationalism, and other phenomena that undermine justice for all. But in analyses that focus primarily on the role of white nationalism fomented within media echo chambers, for example, commentators have overlooked what may be a more pervasive parallel phenomenon: the widespread crisis of faith in U.S. media and institutions at large.
Teaching about the January 6 Insurrection and its Impact on U.S. Democracy
The January 6 insurrection remains important to understand and discuss, as well as the larger questions it raises about the state of U.S. democracy. A recent poll found that 52% of young people between 18 and 29 believe that either U.S. democracy is "in trouble" or "failed," while only 7% agree that it is "healthy," further highlighting the need to teach students about democratic institutions.
What I've Learned Along the Way
After 25 years of distinguished service to our organization, Dr. Karen Murphy, Facing History’s Director of International Strategy, will join our partner organization High Resolves as CEO of an initiative called The Human Responsibility Accelerator. In this article, we invited Karen to share a bit of what she has learned in more than two decades at Facing History.
Suffrage Matters: 7 Reads on Black Voting Rights and Activism
One way to deepen our understanding of voting rights is to consider the experiences of people who have been disenfranchised over the course of our nation’s history and into the present. The Black community is one that has faced immense barriers to voting, both in the distant past and even into the present.
A New Type of Media Literacy
Learn about the risks new technologies pose to adults and adolescents and view resources available to help teach teenage students about media literacy, responsible use of social media, and surveillance capitalism.
The Struggle for Racial Justice and Voting with Dr. Carol Anderson
On-Demand
Virtual
Free and fair elections are the foundation of all democracies. The US Voting Rights Act of 1965 established protections for all Americans, especially for Black Americans. However the 2013 Supreme Court decision Shelby County v Holder dismantled key elements of the Voting Rights Act and voter suppression efforts are ongoing across the country.
Dr. Carol Anderson; professor, historian, and National Book Critics Circle Award winner, explores the history of the fight for African Americans' voting rights as part of the struggle for racial justice in the United States.
This is the second installment in the year-long Facing History Now: Conversations on Equity and Justice virtual event series.
Student Agency After Parkland
On-Demand
Virtual
This webinar explores the many questions faced by educators in the wake of the events in Parkland, Florida.
Students as Changemakers: A Conversation with Mary Beth Tinker
On-Demand
Virtual
Explore how educators can support students as changemakers today. This webinar will feature a conversation with activist Mary Beth Tinker, insights from educators, and a new teaching unit designed to promote civic skills in your students.
Why Teach Reconstruction in 2022
Studying the history of Reconstruction reveals that American history is lined with recurring cycles of social progress and backlash in which everyday people have surmounted immense barriers to drive powerful change.
Facing the Past, Building a Shared Future
On-Demand
Virtual
Scholar Karlos K. Hill discusses the 1921 Tulsa race massacre and the lessons this history offers. This is a recording of session three of the 2021 Global Summit.
