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Back to School, Back to Basic Engagement

Writer's picture: Pinion NationPinion Nation

How can we encourage civic education?


Recently, back-to-school season has Pinion community members inspired to discuss civic education. In a country where civic education is at best sporadic and at worst, skipped over, we are wondering how we improve it and how much it makes a difference. Will Gen Z still show up at the polls, even if they never had a civics class?


It turns out, civic education is bigger than just learning about voting, and some of voting history. While it helps people understand their rights as members of the greater community and the basics of democracy, including their local and national government structures, this corner of education also promotes community relationships, improves outcomes for the underprivileged, and leads to better governance and health outcomes.



Civic participation such as volunteering, field trips or guest speakers from local leaders and activists, can also increase community service in adulthood, reduce unemployment, and help students gain higher-order skills. Research has shown that youth engagement like student government and mock elections can lead to improved academic performance and social-emotional well-being. Some studies even find students who have to be resourceful in extracurricular activities, especially in yearbook, are more likely to be civically engaged later in life, participating in public discourse and decision-making, and contribute to the betterment of society.


But these education opportunities cost money and many school districts are already struggling to make ends meet. So after they’ve asked teachers to volunteer as advisors to extracurriculars and exhausted other resources, they will need new resources and new ways to share civic engagement with students.


Pinion has been building new ways to expand the civic discourse. We’re building voting records that are easily viewable, increasing transparency in an already complicated political landscape. The Pinion platform takes young voters into the heart of civic performance, the crafting and passing of legislation, and provides the opportunity for them to vote on the same bills their elected officials are voting on, allowing young people to take part in policy shaping by easily sharing opinions on important legislation.


Creating more chances and more access to civic engagement will open doors for students and adults alike. Both groups can access the platform from their personal devices, and engage in commentary about what matters most to them, highlighting the perspectives and concerns of all generations. This information will inform a more nuanced policy discussion, addressing residents concerns from more angles and better serving the US population in the long run.


Get Engaged!


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