Teacher Facilitation Guide

Program Overview
Justice and the Citizen is a research-based curriculum that focuses on becoming involved in citizen action as it pertains to justice. Students view video interview segments featuring four accomplished individuals who advocate citizen involvement as a key ingredient to achieving a more just society. These interviews serve as a springboard for students' own research. A list of online resources is provided to support student research.

Viewing/Facilitation Strategies

Introduce the Justice and the Citizen topic and video segments. Ask students to share examples of their current knowledge, experiences, and questions related to topics such as civil rights, famous social activists, today's illegal immigration debate and coalition building.
View the video segments as a class, in small groups, or individually.
Facilitate student selection of one of the research projects listed below which fits their interests and grade level.

Research Project Overview

Grades 7-9

Standards - Objectives

Students understand how civil rights laws have some into effect.
Students understand how some civil rights laws change over time.
Students understand how citizens can have a positive effect on policy.
Students understand how to create a petition.
Students understand how to contact their public officials.
Students gather and use information for research purposes.

Projects and Investigations:

Civil Rights Law Project
Civil rights have been an important part of the United States of America ever since The Declaration of Independence stated that, "all men are created equal." Yet it wasn't until the Civil War put an end to slavery eighty-four years later, that this concept began to become a reality. Minorities, women, people with disabilities and others have all had to fight for civil rights. Ensuring that all Americans enjoy equal rights and privileges is still a major concern of policy makers today. Using the Resource Links, research the history of a civil law of your choice. Some possible areas to look into include criminal rights, public accommodations and facilities, education, employment, voting, housing, immigration and minority communities. Create a plan for a Web site about this law, including: your essay on the evolution of the formation of the law; biographical information on significant people who were involved; and an update on how that law is implemented today (have there been any recent amendments to the law?). Your site should of course include a list of links to helpful online resources.

Big Citizenship
In the video segments, Spelman College president Johnetta B. Cole says, "Never doubt the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world." There have been many examples that prove this to be true, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to the six women who met in a farmhouse in 1846 and started the women's right to vote movement. Secretary of State Colin Powell calls upon all Americans "to live up more fully to the concept of citizenship" and consumer crusader Ralph Nader calls citizen action "a source of joy." Read Nader's interview in the Gallery of Public Service. What has motivated him to embrace certain causes? What are some of the tangible results of his advocacy? Then think of something in your community, or even in your country, that frustrates you. It could have to do with air pollution, vandalism, illiteracy, homelessness, animal rights, human rights, gun control, censorship or government spending, to name a few. Research your topic using the Resource Links. Brainstorm possible solutions and chose the one that you think is the most feasible. Create a petition that outlines the problem and the solution. Try to get at least 50 signatures from people at school or in your community who agree with you. Finally, write a letter explaining your ideas to a public official, such as your governor, congressman or city council person. Include a copy of the petition with your letter.

Grades 7-9

Student Academic Standards

Students understand today's illegal immigration debate.
Students understand how to present their position clearly.
Students understand how to build a coalition.
Students interact with coalitions in their community.
Students gather and use information for research purposes.

Immigration Debate
Unless you are a Native American, your ancestors were immigrants. Because it is a nation of immigrants, America has a rich history of cultural and ethnic diversity. Today, one of the most contentious civil rights issues in our country today has to do with illegal immigration. INS says about 40% of undocumented ["illegal"] migrants are in the United States after overstaying their legal visas and that there are about 5 million illegal aliens in the United States right now. Policy makers disagree about what should be done about them. Some suggest we let them stay illegally, or try to legalize them, as was done with the amnesty of 1986. Others argue that undocumented immigrants should be deported no matter how many years they have lived here. Use the Resource Links to investigate the immigration debate and decide where you stand on the issue. Consider questions such as: What if undocumented immigrants have children who are U.S. citizens because they were born here? What are some of the pros and cons of assimilating immigrants into American life? What are some pros and cons of trying to seal US borders from illegal migration? In some nations, illegal migrants must be identified and removed within one year of their arrival, or else they are allowed to stay permanently. Is this a good idea for the U.S.? Write a position piece expounding your views on this issue to be presented orally in a classroom debate. Create a PowerPoint presentation to help clarify your argument.

Coalition Building Project
Spelman College president Johnetta B. Cole says in the video segments, "Never doubt the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world." Activists from Martin Luther King, Jr. to the six women who met in a farmhouse in 1846 and started the women's right to vote movement have proven this to be true. Consumer crusader Ralph Nader calls citizen action "a source of joy." Read Nader's interview in the Gallery of Public Service. What has motivated him to embrace certain causes? What are some of the tangible results of his advocacy? Chose one issue in your community, or even in your country, that you feel very strongly about. It could have to do with air pollution, vandalism, illiteracy, homelessness, animal rights, human rights, gun control, censorship or government spending, to name a few. Research your topic using the Resource Links. Brainstorm possible solutions, choosing the one that seems the most feasible. Next, form a coalition with two or three other like-minded classmates. Create a name for your coalition and draw up a Web site plan, outlining your coalition's concerns and proposals. Find out what businesses, organizations and people might oppose your plan and come up with constructive ways to address their objections. Contact other organizations in your community working on similar issues and tell them about your coalition. Create a newspaper advertisement about your coalition. Write up a plan for how to raise money and how to get your word out through speeches, letters and petitions.

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