Monday, January 19, 2009

Sandra Day O'Connor advocate for civics and community service

In a January 19th Arizona Republic editorial, Sandra Day O'Connor asks the question: "But what happens after Tuesday, Jan 20th, when we go back about our busy lives?" Her responses brings about how easy it is for citizens to take democracy for granted and stop keeping our democracy healthy by being an active informed citizenry.
Active citizenry takes constant vigilence of their representatives, economic policies, foreign policies and community issues. The ability to think critically and enter into dialogue on the issues that you may have different perspectives.
O'Connor desires our students to take the next step beyond understanding civics; to actually exercise the responsibilities of citizenship. Examples would be: helping your neighbor, building your community, or making a contribution to the life of your country that leaves it a better place for future generations. Examples would be Teaching Corps, Job Corps, and Habitat for Humanity.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor served as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and is co-chair of the Campaign for the Civic Misson of Schools. (www.civicmissionofschools.org)

1 comment:

  1. The problem that we have in America with the kids from what I can see is that we've made things much more entertaining for them, ie Xbox360, websites catered to children etc.. Thus, making kids sedentary and not willing to venture out and work in the community. I think that the parents are a big influence in this area. Although, since now both parents, usually, work it's harder to make kids do things because parents aren't around as much. But it can be done.

    I remember doing things for Habitat for Humanity and going to missions and serving people and things, it just makes you feel like you are doing your part and I think that if more kids were able to have that feeling it would change, but I have a feeling that it's going to get worse because of the "entertainment" that is out there for them.

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