Learning Activity: Public Service and Public Policy

Project Citizen: A Portfolio-Based Civic Education Program developed by the Center for Civic Education (www.civiced.org) supports the importance of civic participation by middle and high school students in solving public policy problems in their local communities. Project Citizen reinforces the forms of political and civic participation described in the National Standards for Civics and Government. Project Citizen teaches students a five-step process in solving public policy problems in their local community or region. Students identify the problem, gather and evaluate information about the problem, examine and evaluate alternative solutions to the problem, develop a proposed public policy to address the problem, and create an action plan to get their policy adopted by the proper level of government. This program exemplifies the kind of public service Robert J. Jackson demonstrated during his lifetime. The Center for Civic Education provides staff development opportunities for teachers and all student materials free of charge to participating school districts.

For more information contact the Center at www.civiced.org or by phone at 818-591-9321/800-350-4223. The New York State coordinator is Eileen Gerrish at the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program at www.lycny.org.

"Participation is what is going to save the human race."
- Pete Seeger