Washington, D.C. — Voter participation in the 2016 presidential election hit a 20-year low, and only 18 percent of Americans today say they trust the federal government—down from 59 percent since 1964. The prevalence of so-called fake news has also clouded Americans’ ability to evaluate fact versus opinion or even fiction. Schools and educators have a special role to play in combating these problems by helping young people become engaged, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens. Civics education is a crucial component of a quality K-12 education because it equips students with necessary knowledge, skills, and agency to become informed and active citizens. On Wednesday, February 21, the Center for American Progress and Generation Citizen will host former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham (D) to explore and debate a range of ideas for improving civics education and civic engagement.
An expert panel will discuss how we can best prepare young people to be full, active participants in our democracy; how to teach students to interact critically with the news; and how to strengthen civics programming so that students can live up to the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
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WHO:
Introductory remarks:
Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Center for American Progress
Keynote remarks:
Bob Graham, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida
Moderator:
Catherine Brown, Vice President of Education Policy, Center for American Progress
Panelists:
Juanita Montes de Oca, Manager of National Program and Curriculum Development, Generation Citizen
Scott Warren, CEO, Generation Citizen
Stefanie Sanford, Chief of Global Policy and External Relations, College Board
Carolyn DeWitt, President, Rock the Vote
WHEN:
February 21, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
WHERE:
Center for American Progress
1333 H Street NW, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
A light breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.