Press Kit

We welcome interest and questions from the public and members of the media across the world. Learn more about the Institute and our work below.

About the Institute

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Founded in 2009 by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization committed to advancing American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civic engagement, and civil discourse.

From classrooms to living rooms and communities worldwide, the Institute offers programs, digital platforms, and original research that reach audiences in all 50 states and on six continents. The Institute is also the conservator of O’Connor House—Justice O’Connor’s former home—listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about our mission and vision

Why Our Work Matters

A strong democracy begins with an informed and engaged citizenry. The Institute exists to meet that need by providing accessible, trusted resources and experiences that strengthen civic understanding.

  • Since 2023, the Institute's websites have received over 1 million page views from more than 800,000 users, averaging 10,000 new users per week.
  • The Civics for Life platform averaged over 250,000 annual visitors and 10,000 quiz takers in its first year.
  • In 2024, the O’Connor Digital Library launched, offering the most comprehensive online collection of materials about Justice O’Connor’s life and legacy.
  • Thousands of students participate in programs like Camp O’Connor USA, Annual Civics Challenge, and the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors each year.
  • The Institute’s original research is influencing national conversations on civic learning and democratic participation.
  • The Public Square brings people together across the country to discuss complex issues such as civic education and the future of the Electoral College.
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The Crisis in Civic Education

Civics education in the U.S. is in urgent need of revitalization:

  • Instruction began to decline in the 1960s and has not been prioritized for decades.

  • Policies like No Child Left Behind shifted attention away from civics toward math and reading.

  • Educators face pressure when civics is perceived as too political or controversial.

  • A 2024 survey revealed that 30% of school principals identified concerns about controversy as a significant barrier to civics instruction.

  • Many K–12 teachers feel unprepared to teach civics effectively.

  • Younger generations, including Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, exhibit declining civics knowledge compared to previous generations.

What We Do

The Institute provides a wide catalog of programs, resources, and events as we work to fulfill our core values each day:
Civil | Collaborative | Fact-based | Inclusive | Non-partisan | Objective

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Signature Events

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Youth Education

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Civics for Life

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Podcasts

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Original Research

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Publications

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Digital Resources

Our Leadership

Visit our Leadership page for biographies of our board and executive team. Or click on the links below.

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Sandra Day O'Connor | Founder

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Sarah Suggs | President & CEO

Institute's Board of Directors
National Advisory Board
Institute's Emeritus Board
Institute's Senior Staff

Media Contacts

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For interviews, speaking requests, or press inquiries, please contact:

Heather Schader, Chief Operating Officer

Meg Lewis, Communications Manager