Why “Teach Democracy” – An Interview with Keri Doggett, Vice President of Teach Democracy

Our name may have changed but our mission and our work to support educators in teaching and fostering civic education amongst their students is the same. The change from Constitutional Rights Foundation to Teach Democracy has been an effort for our branding to better reflect this mission. The term “Teach Democracy” is straightforward and easily understood by a wider audience, including students, educators, and concerned citizens and philanthropists. It removes potential barriers of understanding that might come with more specialized terminology like “Constitutional Rights.”

The name change also reflects our focus on project-based learning. This aligns with contemporary educational approaches that emphasize active learning and civic engagement and best reflects what we have been doing as an organization for hundreds of years. Programs like the Civic Action Project (CAP), Mock Trial and Youth and Police, just to name a few incorporate students taking their learnings and applying them to real events, discussions and scenarios.  

We’re so excited for educators, students and also our donors and volunteers to have access to our new website.  The updated site provides an enhanced user experience, making it easier for educators, students, and civic-minded individuals to navigate the website and access valuable resources and tools.  With a more intuitive and accessible design, we aim to engage more effectively with users on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.

Educators can search for programs and resources by grade band, by subject or through an advanced search functionality.  They can see case studies from successful school and classroom implementations.  And they can hear more about the impact the programs have on the lives of students from the students themselves. Donors will see at a glance the impact their investment makes and the various ways that they can support the civic education mission. And students are ultimately the beneficiaries of well supported programming.  

The redesign also reflects a commitment to modernizing the organization’s digital presence. By improving resource organization and incorporating new features, like our blog and other mixed media content, the new website will offer a richer and more engaging learning experience. Additionally, the redesign includes important security and compliance updates, ensuring the site remains a safe and trusted resource.

Ultimately, the new website will better serve our educators, students, volunteers and donors.  It also aligns better with Teach Democracy’s goals, providing a platform that not only provides civic education, but also inspires and empowers students to participate actively in democracy. 

Now, more than ever, it is critically important for students to have an education that provides an understanding and experience with civic participation. In a challenging time that includes amongst other concerns a trend towards misinformation and divided views and values, students need an understanding of how policy is made and how the government works, the tools to engage in thoughtful discussions across diverse perspectives and the understanding of how to have a voice and constructively participate in democracy.

Furthermore, teaching students about democracy and civic education is vital for nurturing informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who can contribute to the preservation and advancement of democratic values. It lays the foundation for a society that is resilient, just, and capable of addressing the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. Our educators, volunteers and students are amazing! The work they do is a model for us all!