We Rule: Civics for All of US
We Rule: Civics for All of US is a new education initiative from the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement. We're providing teachers with programming, curricula, and exceptional field trip experiences both online and at our locations across the country.
Our civics programs empower young people to make a positive difference and improve the world they are inheriting. These programs draw upon the vast archival holdings of the National Archives housed in our nation’s capital, the Presidential Libraries, and at National Archives facilities nationwide to promote the knowledge and skills students need for civic engagement in the 21st century.
We currently offer:
- Teacher Professional Development Workshops
- Student Distance Learning Programs by Request
- Student Webinars
Teacher Professional Development Workshops
Educators, join the National Archives for a summer virtual workshop series. Each two-hour program will explore how to use primary sources to delve into the big ideas of the founding documents. During each interactive session, participants will engage with primary sources and partake in collaborative group work and discussion to discover how to use National Archives resources and programs to teach civic knowledge and skills.
Registration is free and each program will be held via Zoom. You will receive the connection information via email the week of the event. Certificates of participation will be available by request. Please email civics@nara.gov with any questions.
Civics Distance Learning Programs by Request
Live, interactive distance learning programs are available for groups of 10 or more students from the National Archives, the Center for Legislative Archives, and Presidential Libraries free of charge Tuesdays-Fridays.
Please submit your request to civics@nara.gov at least two weeks in advance and include the following information:
- School/group name and location (city and state)
- Requested program
- Preferred dates and times for your program (please provide 2-3 options)
- Grade level
- Number of students
Each program will be led by one of our educators located at National Archives sites and Presidential Libraries across the country. After submitting your program request, you will be connected to an available National Archives educator to finalize your reservation. You will also receive a teacher guide with additional pre- and post- program activities. We require that the requesting educator or another educator from your institution be present during the student distance learning program to observe the session and support classroom management.
Programs are also offered as regularly scheduled interactive webinars. Registration is required but there is no minimum attendance prerequisite.
About We Rule: Civics for All of US
Using the varied historical documents and government records preserved by the National Archives, the We Rule: Civics for All of US national civics education initiative delivers thought-provoking educational programs and powerful educational resources to the public. These programs are facilitated by National Archives educators across the country, both onsite and through distance learning, engaging diverse communities regardless of their proximity to National Archives facilities.
The initiative is built around five questions:
- How do I benefit from civic knowledge and engagement?
- What tools are available for us to engage in our democracy?
- How have these tools been used by others in the past?
- How can I use these tools in my own life?
- How does the United States benefit from civic engagement?
These questions will guide us as we explore the big ideas of the founding documents and discover the power we have to make a difference as an important part of "We the People."