Lesson of the day

Age: Everyone

Activity: Civic Anything

Well, that’s it. The school year is over, and so, too, are our remote lessons. And yes, summer approaches with its widening maw of relaxation and possible tedium, but we hope some of you out there grab this one by its lapels and don’t let go.

Over and over and over, experts on our show have said that people have to participate in our democracy if they want to improve it. And while voting is extremely important and everyone should do it, civics doesn’t start and end there. If you’re going to be civically engaged this summer, we want to hear about it. Volunteer for a local government campaign. Protest. Register people to vote. Start a club. Read a book. Knock on doors for a candidate. Make a sign, write a song, debate your family, observe a court trial (they’re public!), design a flag, write a manifesto, and call your congressperson. Tell us what you plan to do, and we’ll check back with you in the fall.

We are so grateful to you, students of all ages. Now get out there!

-Nick, Hannah, Erika, Jacqui