Common Ground Toward Action

Disagreement, discourse, and deliberation are crucial elements of a healthy democracy. Without them, it is difficult to find effective solutions to problems. In the United States today, there is a cycle of divisiveness, apathy, and inaction. A focus on education, addressing the issue at its roots, will help to break the cycle. In order to build a better and more cooperative future, Common Ground Towards Action (CGTA) will aim to instill within students an understanding of civic education and the importance of civil discourse in society. CGTA will provide materials to students containing factual, objective information on a number of important issues. Students, after learning the key considerations necessary for effective communication, will be encouraged to engage in discussion and work toward finding a solution to the issue. They will work together, bridging divides and finding common ground for the sake of progress. They will create a plan of action, showcasing the power of civil discourse and ensuring that American society moves forward from this era of inaction and divisiveness. CGTA will empower students to be their own voice. By learning these skills, they will be enabled to fight for themselves, their communities, their values, and their future. Today's students are tomorrow's citizens. Civic education is essential in sustaining a thriving, functioning democracy that does good for its people. CGTA is proud to be a part of the push for a better, more prosperous future. 

Federal funding for civic education is at an all-time low. CGTA intends to help revitalize and renew the quality of America's civic education. In addition to the online resources that CGTA will provide, the first phase will be an entirely volunteer-led after-school program for interested students. The second phase will be an effort to implement CGTA and increase civic education in classrooms. For program success in the following phase, schools and policymakers must accept the premise that civic education is a foundational element of a functioning democracy, not an optional supplement. Education is the first step in the process of building a good society, and educators will play a crucial role in it. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and open dialogue, education prepares students to become active participants in building a more inclusive and cooperative society. The program must focus on changing the minds of students, but first, the minds of those in charge of determining the curriculum. In addition to these theoretical constraints, there will also be technical roadblocks; schools have strict schedules of curriculum and limited flexibility. Much of this is connected to government funding. All of these factors can make the integration of any new content or approach challenging. Administrative support, teacher training, and curriculum redesign will all be necessary to integrate this program. Only then can programs designed to combat inaction and apathy achieve long-term, sustainable success.