Civics engagement should be encouraged

‘The teaching of American civics in our schools faces a grave new risk. Proponents of programs such as action civics seek to turn the traditional subject of civics into a recruitment tool of the progressive left.”

So begins the open letter of the conservative Civics Alliance which has served as the framework for the proposed changes to the Iowa Social Studies Curriculum. I have no problem with any political party or associated institutions from sharing their vision for the United States. They are simply participating in the democratic process and embracing the rights afforded to them by the First Amendment.

I do, however, take exception when such groups seek to limit the exercise of constitutional rights by those who oppose their position.

Democracy cannot function without civic engagement. In fact, democracy dies when the voices of citizens go silent. So why is the state of Iowa adopting a curriculum that clearly states its intention to suspend the teaching of civic engagement?

How can we teach the exemplary and praiseworthy history of the United States and leave out the instruction of the foundational element that made that very history possible?

Civic engagement is not only the key to understanding our past, but to unlock our future. Change cannot happen with the American public sitting idly by. Civic engagement is why we have the strongest military in the world. It is the reason we have become a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world.

The list of influential citizens that have been selected for instruction by the new curriculum, ranging from George Washington to Will Rogers to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, all made an impact because they were civically engaged. It is almost cruel to show children how others struggled in the pursuit of freedom while blinding them to the impact that they can make themselves.

The most impactful experiences I have had as a citizen and educator have involved civic engagement. Acting merely as a facilitator, I encouraged my three sociology students to create a project that would benefit their community, state, or nation. They decided to invite political candidates to our school.

Through their efforts, Rick Santorm and Hillary Clinton made stops in Keota in the run up the 2016 Iowa caucuses. This would not have been possible without civic engagement.

At a more micro level, in the lead up to Memorial Day each year I would take my classes to the local cemetery to place American flags by the headstones of our local veterans. This provided a wonderful opportunity to get students engaged in their community and teach about the sacrifices that have been made for our nation strong. I have organized students to collect tattered American flags and partnered with the local American Legion to ceremonially retire and dispose of the flags.

Civic engagement should not be villianized. It should be encouraged. We cannot let our fears blind us to our civic duties. I firmly believe, practice and have observed social studies instructors promoting civic engagement without advancing some sinister agenda.

Want to increase patriotism and promote democracy? Encourage kids to vote, run for office, or enlist. This insures the future of our nation.

Schuyler Snakenberg is a social studies teacher who lives in Wellman.