As a political science major and a proud Aunt of a high school history teacher, I was deeply troubled when she confessed that her least favorite class to teach is civics/government. This revelation was a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the decline in civic education. Over my career, I’ve worked to be more than an observer of democracy. My passion is to engage and empower people of all ages to be catalysts for the evolution of democracy.
Here’s another gut puncher…The Panetta Institute’s 2024 Youth Engagement Survey found that only 27% of young Americans strongly believe in democracy. What a minute, what? Secretary Leon Panetta served in Congress and held many appointed posts serving Republican and Democrat Presidents. Along with his wife, Sylvia, they formed the Leon Panetta Institute, a nonpartisan organization equipping young people for public service to promote the health and future of democracy. Secretary Panetta’s message: the future of our democratic society rests in the hands of our youngest citizens. Of course, it does, but if only a little over a quarter of all youth strongly believe in democracy, the future of a free society doesn’t look bright!
How do we get young people excited about democracy and the promise it holds for society? How do we move beyond teaching to inspire a deep connection to democratic principles? One key is to ignite civic literacy, which is the understanding of how our government works, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the importance of active participation in civic life.
First, we must understand it. Studies consistently show gaps in knowledge about the foundational principles, structures, and processes of democracy among Americans of all ages, particularly youth. The Annenberg Public Policy Center’s annual Constitution Day Civics Survey highlights that only about 47% of Americans can name all three branches of government—a critical decline compared to previous years. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only about 24% of U.S. eighth graders are proficient in civics, underscoring the educational system’s foundational understanding challenges. We must move beyond rote learning of government structures to analyzing how these systems impact daily life. People learn when they can connect historical decisions with contemporary issues, illustrating governance’s relevance in everyday life.
There are a lot of good local examples of local governments leading the charge. My son participated in Learning about Lenexa in the third grade, a program that teaches how city government works. Consider the Teen Council program in Olathe, Kansas—a blueprint for possibility. This innovative initiative doesn’t just teach civic engagement; it creates authentic connections between young citizens and their government. It’s democracy in action, and it’s working. During Shockey Consulting’s work on Olathe’s 2040 Future Ready Plan, an impressive member of the teen council served on the steering committee. This is one way to build leadership skills and engage young people in planning our future.
America 250: America’s Next Chapter
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re not just celebrating history—we’re creating it. Local governments and individual leaders can work in 2025 to prepare for the July 4, 2026 celebration, a moment that can reignite civic passion and participation across the nation.
Strategic Investment in Education: Partner with educational institutions to develop dynamic civics programs that inspire and engage.
Innovative Engagement Programs: Build on successful models like the Teen Council to create a nationwide network of engaged young people.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary! It isn’t just a milestone—it’s a launching pad for renewed civic passion and participation.
Securing Democracy’s Future
At Shockey Consulting, we understand that democracy’s strength lies in its ability to evolve and adapt. The Panetta Institute’s warnings about civic disengagement aren’t just challenges but opportunities for transformation.
Your Role in the Revolution – This isn’t just about preserving democracy; it’s about revolutionizing it for the next generation. Your active participation, planning, and inspiration in your community are crucial. But don’t forget, you are also cultivating the future defenders of democracy.
This isn’t just about preserving democracy—it’s about revolutionizing it for the next generation. Keep planning, engaging, and inspiring your community, but don’t forget to cultivate your future defenders of democracy.
At Shockey Consulting, we’re committed to partnering with you to create lasting change. Together, we’ll build a future where democracy isn’t just a boring system or something to learn for the test —it’s a vibrant, living force for positive transformation.
What can you do to strengthen our democracy for the future? Put “cultivating democracy” on your 2025 New Year’s Resolutions list!