About the C.I.V.I.C.S. Program
The California C.I.V.I.C.S. program was developed for California's youth by the Secretary of State's office in an attempt to combat youth's declining civic and voter participation trends. The program grew out of a concern that young people are not voting in proportion to their numbers in the general population, and that this is an indicator of a broader disconnect between young people and the communities in which they live. The goals of the program are to ultimately contribute to the renewal of America's commitment to community and to change youth culture from one of disenchantment and mistrust to one of participation and confidence in government and the election process.

The program, which was launched on January 31, 2000, was developed with the assistance of teachers and students from high schools and middle schools throughout California. The developmental phase of this program included a ten school pilot program in which the Secretary of State visited each school to gather information and ideas from students. The direction and design of this program is a result of the feedback and ideas received from students throughout California.

The program has several components, including a teacher's guide, newsletters, birthday cards, and student contests. These components may be used together, in conjunction with other existing programs, or as individual stand-alone components.

C.I.V.I.C.S. Teacher's Guide
The teacher's guide serves as the centerpiece for the C.I.V.I.C.S. program and provides teachers with various elements in which to engage their students in civic participation. The guide contains classroom lesson plans, homework assignments, after school activities, current events, and even ideas and suggestions on how to get involved in various community events. The guide also provides teachers with statewide, regional, and local resources that may assist them and their students in implementing civic education in the classroom.

The teacher's guide is designed in such a way that it allows pages to be removed for reproduction and then replaced. It also allows for new material to be easily added.

The State Board of Education ties all lesson plans contained in the teacher's guide to the grade twelve history - social science state standards (Principles of American Democracy). Newsweek magazine, Farmer's Insurance, and the Constitutional Rights Foundation contribute materials and resources to the guide.

Click here to view the online version of the C.I.V.I.C.S. Teacher's Guide.

Birthday Cards
The birthday card/voter registration card is mailed to approximately 30,000 18-year-olds each month in California. This program is a partnership between the Secretary of State; Rock the Vote, who designed the image on the card; and the Department of Motor Vehicles, who provides us with the addresses on a monthly basis. However, as part of the C.I.V.I.C.S. program, teachers may order these cards and give them directly to their students.

Research/Resources

New Millennium Young Voters Project - NASS

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