March 9-13, 2026
New York Civic Learning Week is a statewide celebration of civic education, democratic engagement, and student voice. Join us March 9-13, 2026, as educators, students, civic organizations, policymakers, and community leaders come together to spotlight the critical role of civic learning in preparing all young people to participate fully and responsibly in civic life.
Scroll for events, activities & resources you can use during the NY Civic Learning Week and year-round!
How you and your school can take part!
-
![]()
The Courageous Child Award
DemocracyReady NY and Inquiring Minds Institute are excited to invite elementary schools across New York State to participate in a new recognition initiative called the Courageous Child Award. Children recognize when a classmate shows courage, particularly when a peer stands up for their own rights and the rights of others. The Courageous Child Award offers upper elementary students a unique opportunity to celebrate the civic courage of their fellow students within their school communities.
-
![]()
DemocracyReady NY Invites Students Statewide to Share Their Seal of Civic Readiness Stories
Seal Stories highlights the voices and experiences of students who have earned or are earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness—or who have participated in meaningful civic learning or civic action. Through short video reflections, students will share how civic engagement has shaped their understanding of citizenship and their role in their communities. Due March 3, 2026. How to submit.
-
![NYSEC's Youth Led Civic Dialogue Toolkit]()
NYSEC's Youth Led Civic Dialogue Toolkit
High School students Dylan Lemberg & Oliver Kaiden, founders of NY Student Engaged Citizenship (NYSEC), created this comprehensive toolkit for educators, administrative leaders, students, and community stakeholders to facilitate civic dialogue discussions at their schools. Access the toolkit here!
EVENTS ALL WEEK
EVENTS ALL WEEK
DemocracyReady NY’s annual virtual statewide Summit on Civic Readiness will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 4:00-6:00 PM, as a centerpiece of New York Civic Learning Week. The event, titled “Civic Readiness at 250–NY’s Past, Present, and Future,” will feature a talk with historian Steven Mintz about the experiences of young people in New York State in the Revolutionary War years; a panel of youth civic leaders presenting their important research and advocacy work; and a youth-led interview with Melinda Person, president of NYSUT, about the role of schools and educators in ensuring civic readiness for the future of democracy.
DemocracyReady NY’s 4th Annual Summit: Civic Readiness at 250–NY’s Past, Present, and Future
Tuesday, March 10th, 4 - 6:00pm ET
VIRTUAL EVENT
Generation Citizen’s Virtual Future250 Youth Roundtable
Generation Citizen
Wednesday, March 11th, 9 - 10:00 am ET VIRTUAL EVENT
This virtual roundtable, a key part of GC’s Future250 initiative, will elevate the voices and lived experiences of young people from across New York and Pennsylvania. Students will share their civic stories, reflect on the issues that matter most to them, and boldly imagine what democracy could look and feel like over the next 50 years.
Who Should Attend?
Educators, elected officials, and community partners are invited to attend as listeners and supporters, joining the space to learn directly from students and celebrate youth leadership in action.
“I Had to Stand Up for My Rights”: the Fourth Amendment and Mapp v. Ohio
New York Historical Society
Wednesday, March 11th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET
VIRTUAL EVENT
Explore the 1961 Supreme Court case that redefined the rights of the accused and was based on the search and seizure provisions of the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.
America 250: Engaging Students with History, Media & Civic Voice
Facing History & Ourselves
Wednesday, March 11th, 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
VIRTUAL EVENT
Discover classroom-ready civics resources to support teaching the America 250th anniversary in this fast-paced virtual resource sharing session.Featuring resources from leading organizations—including the Center for Civic Education, Facing History & Ourselves, KQED, National Writing Project, and PBS LearningMedia, this session offers practical ideas that educators can use right away.
This offering is for: All educators.
NYSEC Toolkit for Discussing Controversial Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators and Students (A pre-recorded resource) A youth-moderated session introducing the New York Student Engaged Citizenship (NYSEC) Toolkit, with strategies for facilitating thoughtful, respectful dialogue on complex and controversial topics.
NYSEC Toolkit for Discussing Controversial Issues Q&A
DEMOCRACYREADY NY & NYSEC
Wednesday, March 11th
A PRE-RECORDED RESOURCE
Hear directly from students and educators about their experiences earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, highlighting meaningful civic learning in action.
Seal Stories
DEMOCRACYREADY NY
Thursday, March 12th
A PRE-RECORDED RESOURCE
Empowering Students. Strengthening Democracy.
Civic education and engagement are essential to a healthy democracy.
New York Civic Learning Week aims to build broader awareness of and support for civic learning; amplify and celebrate youth voice; and empower participants to envision themselves as shapers of their communities and change makers in our democracy.
How Can You Get Involved?
We invite everyone, including students, teachers, administrators, advocates, policymakers, parents, youth organizations, and the general public to participate in New York Civic Learning Week by hosting and attending events.
If you’re interested in organizing programming for New York Civic Learning Week, please fill out this form and we’ll publicize your event!
