Discusses the use of the National Issues Forum's (NIF's) town meetings in efforts to increase citizen participation in democratic processes. Describes the Catholic adaptation of the NIF approach, providing examples of its use at the high school, college, and community level. (MAB)

Discusses American Catholics' approach to political order, examining the variety of Catholic approaches to government, citizenship, and politics. Highlights six practices that reflect American Catholicism and democratic citizenship: respecting politics, promoting the common good, making politics responsive, reviving public discourse, voting…

Describes the Close Up Foundation, a nonpartisan civic organization, and its approaches to citizenship education. Indicates that the Foundation's goal is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that encourage greater civic participation and that its approach stresses the diversity of participants, active learning, a balance of viewpoints,…

Examines the uses of R.I.C.E. (Responsibility, Interdependence, Creativity, and Empowerment) processes to enhance civic education programs. Highlights R.I.C.E.'s compatibility with the National Standards for Civics and Government in the areas of shared responsibility, global interdependence, dynamic creativity, and people empowerment. Includes…

Calls for a new vision of citizenship education, in which both the school and the communities it serves are equal partners in educating each new generation of citizens. Asserts that citizen education must be multi-dimensional and must embrace many interconnected dimensions. Identifies four categories of citizenship attributes. Contains 21…

Examines the importance of elementary and secondary student participation in community service activities for effective civic education and citizen development. Suggests that if commitment to service were an integral part of educational processes students would continue participating in community service programs as adults. (MAB)