O'Connor Institute Programs

OpenGov launched the “OpenGov Across America” campaign in support of local government leaders and public service. CEO Zac Bookman is on a cross-country bike tour to thank public servants and raise funds for Sandra Day O’Connor Institute For American Democracy.

Thank You For Your Support of Our Programs and Mission:

O’CONNOR AMBASSADORS Civics & Debate Clubs
This high school program provides instruction on civil debate, civics and encourages civic engagement. Leaders in the making, O'Connor Ambassadors set examples and encourage their peers to be active participants in our democracy. This school-approved extracurricular club is formed and led by the student body under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The program is open to 9th through 12th grade students.

CAMP O’CONNOR
Offered to 7th and 8th grade students, this weeklong experiential civics education program provides an interactive and fun approach to learning about our democracy and government structure. The program involves group instruction, simulations and field trips to government offices with modules including the judicial, executive and legislative branches, citizen rights and duties, and closing day featuring a mock political convention of the “Stars & Stripes” party and graduation ceremonies.

CONSTITUTION SERIES: Equality and Justice For All
With core values of inclusivity, civility and collaboration, we believe that the expressed ideals of this great nation require exploration and discussion. This series of free, online public forums presents renowned historians and scholars. The forums also provide an opportunity for civil discourse through a question and answer session. The Constitution Series has reached thousands of viewers in all 50 states and 20 countries around the world.

LAB 102
Targeted to Millennials and Gen Z, this program is named for the 102nd Supreme Court Justice. Lab 102 is a social experimentation laboratory to cultivate civil discourse and civic engagement for these important generations. The Institute has collaborated with the Pew Research Center to present fact-based information through a variety of online, interactive programs, including the “Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Millennials and Gen Z” and “Social Media and Civil Discourse.”

O’CONNOR CIVICS CHALLENGE
Developed to tap the creativity of 6th to 9th graders, our online national civics video competition challenges students to create short videos from their choice of topics including the judicial, executive or legislative branches of government, citizenship rights and duties, or checks and balances. Winners across four grade levels are awarded laptops and other electronic educational tools.

SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR DIGITAL LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTER
An important educational resource, the Institute maintains the world’s largest and most comprehensive online archive of the life and work of Sandra Day O’Connor. The catalogued library is utilized by elementary, high school, college and law students as well as the general public. The Library’s information includes Justice O’Connor’s Supreme Court opinions, writings, video interviews, photographs and more.

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS SERIES
National and global leaders who foster statesmanship provide insight on a spectrum of issues and current events. Past speakers have included former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, past Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev and Nobel Peace Prize recipients.

ANNUAL HISTORY DINNER
Educational dinners showcase historic figures who helped define and advance our nation and democracy. Leaders, luminaries and Pulitzer Prize winning authors such Doris Kearns Goodwin and Ron Chernow offer extraordinary historic knowledge and enrichment.

ISSUES & ANSWERS PUBLIC FORUMS
Free and simulcast online, credentialed panelists address important issues of the day with a non-partisan moderator to help educate citizens gain fact-based information, including audience Q&A.

LEGACY LUNCHEON
This annual luncheon honors the life and work of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who shattered the judicial branch ceiling and served a quarter century on the Supreme Court. Past speakers have included First Ladies Laura Bush, Dr. Jill Biden, and best-selling author and award-winning journalist, Susan Page.

CIVIC COLLABORATORY
Fostering partnerships to promote civil discussion and cooperative problem solving, stakeholders convene for civic discussion on challenging issues to explore possible solutions for the benefit of society. We envision a nation where important policy decisions affecting our future are made through a process of critical analysis of facts and informed participation of all citizens.

O’CONNOR U – OUR ONLINE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE
Our free, online, multigenerational educational programs include civic engagement webinars, podcasts, interactive online lectures, and civics education digital experiences. O’Connor U programs provide a critical depth of understanding on our system of self-government, history, and culture. Participants range from all 50 states and over 25 countries around the world.

O’CONNOR HOUSE PRESERVATION
The O’Connor Institute conserves the adobe home of Sandra Day O’Connor, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In this setting, Sandra Day O’Connor hosted leaders from both sides of the aisle for civil dialogue and public policy consensus. The House has also welcomed dignitaries and heads of state.

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THE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR INSTITUTE IS A 501 (C) (3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. TAX ID: 26-3521510
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