How it works - The Madison Lincoln Initiative

How it

works

in our current political climate.

How it works

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Thomas Jefferson tried to alert us to the necessity of having an educated citizenry in order to preserve our democracy and liberty.

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free… it expects what never was and never will be.”
— Letter to Col. Charles Yancey, 1816

“Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.”
— Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey, 1816

“The tax which will be paid for [education] is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.”
— Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XIV (1782)

Regional and National recognition of meritorious civics education initiatives:

Every year, the state of California recognizes public schools for exemplary civics programs that inspire and strengthen the democratic spirit of the next generation. National organizations also honor schools across the country for similar achievements.

California 2025 Civic Learning Awards (State Civics Education Award)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announced the 2025 Civic Learning Award recipients on May 16, 2025.

34 public schools in California were honored for measurable school-wide achievements in civics education.
Top honorees receiving the Award of Excellence include:
- Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (elementary)
- Sparks Middle School (middle school)
- Norte Vista High School (high school)
Other awards included Distinction, Merit, and Honorable Mentions for additional schools.
These awards recognize robust civic learning efforts to prepare students for democratic participation. California Department of Education

Other Civics Education-Related Awards in 2025

Civic Learning Awards Celebration — Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero made an announcement on Law Day (May 1, 2025) honoring schools that promote excellence in civic learning across California. California Courts Newsroom
National Civics Bee Championship — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Aarit Koul from Ohio won the 2025 National Civics Bee® Championship (with the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and related prize). PR Newswire
Leonore Annenberg Civics Award — The Annenberg Public Policy Center named the National Constitution Center and the Center for Civic Education as recipients of the 2025 Civics Award for a project supporting civics teaching tied to America’s Semiquincentennial. Annenberg Public

Won’t you join us in our mission to safeguard our civic traditions and strengthen our collective resolve—to remain engaged, active, and steadfast guardians of America’s democratic heritage.

We offer suggestions for curriculum, content, and activities that align with our five mission pillars:

Integrity in public office
The discipline and necessity of civil discourse
Constitutional literacy
Critical Reasoning / Democratic Engagement
Media literacy and lucidity

Civics Education
Interactive courses and workshops are designed to deepen civic knowledge and engagement.
Community Projects
Hands-on initiatives that empower students to make a tangible impact in their communities.
Youth Leadership
Leadership programs that cultivate civic responsibility, public speaking, and teamwork.

They fall into three categories:

These pillars are designed to complement and strengthen the California High School Civics Standards, ensuring that students gain both the knowledge and the skills necessary to engage meaningfully in democratic life.