Because Nourishing
the Roots of Democracy Requires All of Us

Celebrating

Michigan Civic Learning Week 2026

Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy

Upshur Institute for Civic Education - Easter Michigan University

Keynote - Dr. Noreen Naseem Rodriguez. Co Author of Social Studies for a Better World: and Anti-Oppressive Approach for Elementary Educators

Book signing

Scott Koenig - Michigan Department of Education

Our Purpose

Like the tree of 40 fruit, each one of us has our unique expressions within our democracy. Our goal as a society and as a coalition, is to ensure the health of the tree. A tree can only flourish when its roots are firmly planted - for us that means rooted in principles of Constitutional democracy with as many opportunities to practice the skills and dispositions. Understanding multiple perspectives come together to nourish the soil of democracy.

Listening Tour Findings

Throughout 2022, MiCivics Coalition members began a series of 8 listening tours through Upper and Lower Michigan. Future plans are to expand the scope in order to hear from all Michiganders about their preferred civic futures.

Preliminary Data & Outcomes – Pathways for the Future of Civic Education These trends emerged which provide opportunities to operationalize the needs of Michiganders.

The 5 Emerging Themes

Greater emphasis and resources for teaching state, local, and community civics and provide more local civic engagement opportunities.

Greater investment in K-8, especially K-5 civic knowledge. Reimagine embedding all other disciplines through a strong civics lens.

Greater emphasis on place based and experiential learning to bring civics to life and to demystify political participation.

Greater breadth and depth of teacher, administrator, and community civics knowledge, practices, and engagement.

Significantly greater financial investment in civic education and civic communities with a focus on those areas identified here.

Michigan Celebrates Civic Learning Week

The State of Michigan has officially designated March 9–13, 2026, as Civic Learning Week, recognizing the vital role civic education plays in fostering informed, engaged communities and a healthy democracy.

A proclamation is a formal public declaration issued by a government leader to recognize an important cause or event. Through this proclamation, Michigan affirms its commitment to strengthening civic knowledge, democratic participation, and opportunities for learners across the state.

MI Civics Coalition is proud to be part of Civic Learning Week, joining educators, partners, and communities statewide in advancing meaningful civic learning and preparing residents to participate fully in public life.

Because Nourishing the Roots of Democracy Requires All of Us