Support Funding For Digital Civics
Schooling from home is a new normal and abruptly changed the way educators teach and students learn

CAC has heard anecdotally that as the transition to remote learning is implemented, civics education is further marginalized as schools double down on tested subjects. While social distancing during this pandemic is highly recommended, the social studies, and civic learning specifically, is core to the mission of public education and must be woven throughout the K-12 curriculum, in-person, online, or both.

Our partners are calling for a $40 million competitive grant program for civic education nonprofits to navigate these difficult times and the digital transition, particularly those serving students of color and low-income students in urban and rural areas. Take your own informed action by contacting Senators Durbin and Duckworth and your Representative, reference this letter signed by over 550 individuals and nearly 100 organizations, and urge their support of this vital appropriation as Congress formulates its next relief and recovery legislation.

Ask Democratic House members to contact Chairperson Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Republican members to contact Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK) to express their support for our civics funding request; ask Senators Durbin and Duckworth to contact Senator Patti Murray (D-WA) to express their support for our civics funding request. To help us manage and monitor Congressional outreach, please reply to this email to let us know about any touch points you have with a Senator, House Member, or their respective staff regarding this funding.

A sample message follows.

Dear Senator/Representative ________________,

My name is (insert name), and I serve as (insert title and organization, if applicable) in (insert city of work or residence).

[I am/we are] a major supporter of civic education in Illinois, and our nonprofit partners that assist us in supporting students, teachers, schools, districts, and families prepare for lifelong, informed engagement in our democracy are struggling with both the transition to digital-only learning and the economic crisis accompanying the pandemic (tailor this section to your own experience). We are thus signatories of the following letter calling for a $40 million appropriation to support these nonprofit partners as Congress develops its next relief legislation: bit.ly/CivXNowCL.

And as you know, Illinois, and Chicago specifically, has one of the strongest local ecosystems of civic education nonprofits. We need them now more than ever and have a vested interest in ensuring that they are part of pandemic relief and the necessary recovery and reforms to follow.

Please reach out to Chairperson DeLauro/Ranking Member Cole/Senator Murray to express your support for our civics funding request.

Thanks in advance for your consideration,
(insert name)