The October Citizen invites you to explore stories that celebrate civic learning, leadership, and dialogue.
- Join our upcoming Public Square virtual conversation to discuss why many nationwide teachers feel uncomfortable teaching civics.
- Learn more about the upcoming Dinner with LBJ and the 1960s.
- Discover how the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors are inspiring their high school peers, and the opportunity for middle school students to share their creativity and civic knowledge in our annual Civics Challenge to earn awards.
- Take a journey through history with our new “America’s Founders: Who Am I?” series, uncovering the people and principles that helped shape our nation as we honor our nation's founding.
Public Square Virtual Conversation: Why Are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?
Let's talk about it! The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute’s Public Square virtual conversation on Thursday, October 23, is inspired by our latest policy brief that has drawn national attention, “Why Are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?”
Our newest research highlights a growing challenge in K–12 civic education: teachers feel underprepared, unsupported, and increasingly hesitant to teach critical civic topics. What is the impact? Join the conversation to find out.
The virtual Public Square is your opportunity to engage in civil dialogue about the issues and challenges we face today. Join fellow citizens for an interactive and thought-provoking discussion.
Last Chance: Dinner with LBJ and the 1960s
The Institute will soon welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and New York Times #1 bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin for Dinner with LBJ and the 1960s, on Saturday, Nov. 1, at The Phoenician.
Guest will receive a complimentary copy of her latest best-selling book, An Unfinished Love Story, that offers a deeply personal and insightful perspective on 20th-century American politics.
She will be joined by distinguished moderator Mark Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and longtime Director of the LBJ Presidential Library.
The Leaders of Tomorrow
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
We believe that civic education is most powerful when students are empowered to learn, engage, and discuss. That’s why we created the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club, a national network of high school students expanding the impact of civics education and engagement for youth and their communities. Students gain civics knowledge and civil discourse skillsets to engage thoughtfully in civic life and are inspired to make a difference.
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Our Civics Challenge invites students in grades 6-12 nationwide to test their civic knowledge and creativity. Our free, online competition encourages students to create a short video (up to 2 minutes) or an original song to showcase their understanding of civics and our nation to earn $500 cash awards!
This year, we’re excited to introduce a new category: “America 250: Which Founding Father Inspires You Most?” Students can explore the lives and contributions of the nation’s Founding Fathers and reflect on which historical figures resonate most with them. A new category this year, we encourage participants to connect history with their own civic values and aspirations, making learning both creative and personally meaningful.
You can help expand this impact! Share the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Program and the Civics Challenge with your friends, family, and professional networks. By spreading the word, you encourage more students to participate, learn, and lead—helping to cultivate a generation of informed, engaged citizens.
Join us in celebrating and supporting young civic leaders today. Learn more and share at the links below.
Celebrating America's 250th: Discover the Faces and Stories Behind America’s Founders
Have you ever wondered about the people behind America’s founding documents—the individuals whose ideas, decisions, and actions shaped our nation? The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute invites you to explore “America’s Founders: Who Am I?”, our new offering that uncovers both the iconic leaders and the lesser-known figures who influenced the birth of American democracy.
Through this engaging blog and social media series, we spotlight the personalities, motivations, and challenges of the Founders, offering a deeper understanding of the principles that continue to guide our nation today. It’s a unique opportunity to see history and reflect on how these leaders’ choices still impact us today.
Read the full blog and explore the Founders’ stories here: Unmasking the Founders
Delve into their remarkable stories, share them with friends and family, and join us in celebrating the extraordinary early Americans whose vision and courage laid the foundation for our nation.
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