Members of the DemocracyReady NY Coalition, including educators, parents, students, youth advocates, and civic leaders, met with New York state lawmakers to advocate for increased investment in civic education as part of the fiscal year 2027 state budget. The coalition’s call comes as New York approaches the United States’ 250th anniversary and during National News Literacy Week.
Coalition members expressed concern that civic learning is being sidelined in schools. They emphasized that without action, many students may graduate without adequate preparation for civic participation.
“Every student who walks across a graduation stage doesn’t just leave as a graduate; they leave as a citizen,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, investing in civics and media literacy is an investment in our future. These resources will help students understand how government works, their rights and responsibilities, and how to evaluate information so they can participate fully and thoughtfully in civic life.”
NYSUT announced the launch of its Classroom to Community Civic Readiness Grants. This initiative aims to support local unions in creating hands-on civic learning experiences by expanding or establishing Seal of Civic Readiness programs. The grants will focus on engagement, critical thinking, media literacy, and community collaboration through school-based projects.
Nan Eileen Mead, Co-Executive Director of DemocracyReady NY, stated: “Every student in New York has the right to an education that prepares them to participate fully in our democracy. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States later this year, New York has a historic opportunity to strengthen civic learning from the earliest grades through graduation. Together, New York’s educators, students, and civic partners are advancing a shared call to action: strengthen policy, invest in professional learning, and modernize civic learning for a rapidly changing world.”
The coalition outlined specific funding requests:
– $2.5 million to enhance elementary-level civic learning through pilot programs and professional development.
State Senator Shelley Mayer commented: “It is now more important than ever, for the future of our democracy, that we instill in our young people the understanding that their voices matter. That civic engagement is both a right and a responsibility. It is critical that New York State provides the education, resources, and support necessary so students can develop lifelong habits of participation. I am committed to fighting to ensure that the final New York State budget includes the funding our schools and students need to accomplish this.”
Gail Sider from Pelham Union Free School District added: “My 27 years as an elementary classroom teacher can be distilled into a single mission: to facilitate the creation of engaged citizens… Educators of younger children need… resources to support our teaching of civics.”
– $5 million for expanding access to the Seal of Civic Readiness program.
Kyle Belokopitsky from NYS PTA said: “Civic readiness and student and parent engagement have never been more important… Guiding them toward meaningful civic skills… preparing them for a global economy are all critical for their success in career, college, and beyond.”
Charles Johnson from NYS NAACP noted: “A healthy democracy is fueled by young people who understand how power works… Civic readiness and media literacy give students the tools…”
Lisa Kissinger from NYS Council for Social Studies stated: “The New York State Council for the Social Studies urges state leaders… By investing in DemocracyReady NY’s foundational elements – …New York State empowers students from elementary school through graduation.”
– $15 million dedicated toward media and AI literacy initiatives such as hiring certified library media specialists statewide.
Kelly Wetherbee from Media Literacy Now said: “New York State must ensure that all students receive media and AI literacy education to prepare them for informed and meaningful civic engagement in the digital age.”
Chris Kobara—a high school senior—added: “Funding for media and AI literacy is especially urgent… Investing in media literacy… isn’t extra: it is essential for protecting our democracy…”
Jessica R. Wolff concluded on behalf of DemocracyReady NY: “The semiquincentennial is not only a moment of commemoration—it is a call to action… By investing in civic learning…New York can strengthen democracy…”
DemocracyReady NY describes itself as nonpartisan coalition aiming at universal access to high-quality civics education throughout New York.
More information about DemocracyReady NY can be found at www.democracyreadyny.org.
