Lesson Plans

California Education Standards – Principals of American Democracy

12.3 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.

2. Explain how civil society makes it possible for people, individually or in association with others, to bring their influence to bear on government in ways other than voting and elections.

Voice & Action: Active or Passive
Civic Responsibility
Trustee: Barbara Brown, Amy Wong Mok, or Charles Clymer
Grade Level: 10-12
Time: 65 minutes
Description: Students analyze and describe the concept of political participation.

Nominate An American Trustee
Civic Responsibility
Trustees: All
Grade Level: 9-12
Time:5-6 45 minutes classes
Description:The students will define community leadership, conduct library and internet research, write a report on a community leader and submit the nominee on the website.

Networking for Nonprofits
Civic Responsibility, Forms of Participation
Trustee: Cathy Bonner
Grade Level: 7-8,9-12
Subjects: Civic Education, Government
Time: 85-90 minutes
Description: Help students recognize the importance of networking and fundraising for businesses and non-profit organization.

Issue Group Debate
Civic Responsibility
Trustee: Amy Wong Mok
Grade Level: 9-12
Time:90 minutes
Description: Teach students about influence of interest groups in the decision making process.

Involved for Change
Civic Responsibility
Trustee: Cathy Bonner, Barney Flores, or Barbara Brown
Grade: 10-12
Time: 90 minutes
Description: Students will complete a biographical sketch of a local community leader.