National Civics Day (October): In one class period, you’ll review core civics ideas, map a real community problem to possible solutions, practice respectful civic dialogue, and leave with a personal “I Can” pledge for a realistic action within the next two weeks.
National Civics Day (October): One-Period Activity
Today we’ll practice civics in three ways:
Know: quick checks on civic roles and actions
Do: a Community Problem–Solutions Map
Act: a Mini Town Hall + an “I Can” Pledge
Discussion norms
Speak from your experience; listen to understand.
Critique ideas, not people.
Use respectful language, even when you disagree.
Your goal: Leave class with one realistic civic action you could take in the next two weeks.
Which choice best describes civic participation?
Which are examples of civic action? (Select 2)
Match each civic role to what it commonly does.
| Stavka koja se može prevući | arrow_right_alt | Odgovarajuća stavka |
|---|---|---|
School board | arrow_right_alt | Votes on local laws and budgets |
State legislature | arrow_right_alt | Leads city services and sets priorities |
Mayor | arrow_right_alt | Sets district policies and hires superintendent |
City council | arrow_right_alt | Makes state laws |
Drag each issue to the place where it is most likely addressed.
Driver licensing rules
Potholes
Streetlights
Lunch options
Food pantry support
Bullying policy
School (campus/district)
City / Town
State
Community group / nonprofit
Community Problem–Solutions Map
Choose one real problem that affects your school or community. Then complete the map:
Problem (1 sentence):
Who is affected? (list 2–3 groups):
Why it happens (list 2 causes):
What could help? (list 2 solutions):
Who could take action? (Choose at least 2: students, families, school leaders, community groups, city leaders, state leaders)
Your first step this month: (one realistic action)
Use the drawing space to make a simple web/boxes/arrows, or write clearly in bullets.
Mini Town Hall (write your 60-second statement)
Write a short statement you could say in a town hall or school meeting:
Claim: What change do you want?
Reason + evidence: Why? (Use 1 fact, observation, or example.)
Respectful ask: Who are you asking, and what should they do next?
One counterpoint: What might someone disagree with, and how would you respond respectfully?
Keep it school-appropriate and focused on solving the problem.
Which response best shows active listening during a town hall?
Civil discourse means people can disagree respectfully while focusing on solutions.
“I Can” Pledge (2-week action)
Complete this sentence:
I can ___________ by (date) because ___________.
Requirements:
The action must be legal, safe, and respectful.
It must be realistic within 2 weeks.
It should connect to your problem/solution map.
Optional: Add who you’ll ask to join you.