Ideas This Week
Ideas This Week is your hub for updates on all things Facing History—from announcements and featured press to expert interviews, impact stories, and essays on the ideas driving our work.
Fostering Civic Imagination and Empowering Students to Shape the Future
Help students consider and pursue a better world, become empowered civic actors, and build connections using their imaginations.
![Students sitting around round table working on projects](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-04/Students%20sitting%20around%20round%20table%20working%20on%20projects%20%28FH2196858%29.jpg?h=1ed8eb50&itok=ijO4D_s5)
Approaching Election Season as a Teaching Opportunity
Educators have the opportunity to empower students to become active participants in our democracy.
![Young Woman Affixing a Vote Button on Her Shirt](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/Young%20Woman%20Affixing%20a%20Vote%20Button%20on%20Her%20Shirt%20-%20square%20sizing.png?h=5b6e9454&itok=834oESRr)
We Learn by Doing and Reflecting: Civic Voice and Action
Discover best practices on cultivating your students’ voices and facilitating civic action projects.
![Image of youth from KQED Youth Media Challenge event](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/CallForChange-Lockup.jpg?h=4c6c0eb8&itok=0Bah1OEZ)
World Day of Social Justice Activities
Students can explore ways to bring about meaningful change with this collection of resources and journal prompts.
![Person Holding Sign above their head that says More Equality More Love](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-02/Person%20Holding%20Sign%20aboe%20their%20head%20that%20says%20More%20Equality%20More%20Love%20%28FH2201203%29.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=ie1tftT2)
Educators Have the Power to Strengthen Democracy
See how Facing History's civics education resources strengthen students' civic skills and attitudes about democratic participation.
![Teacher And Students having a discussion](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/SL_190522_0014.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=gP64QyiG)
Exploring Black History through Black Poets
Engage with the powerful voices of Black poets and the rich history of poetry during Black History Month and beyond.
![black notebook and pen](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-04/blackPoetry.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=JdZbuFgb)
Teaching about the January 6 Insurrection and its Impact on US Democracy
The January 6 insurrection remains important to understand and discuss, as well as the larger questions it raises about the state of US democracy. A recent poll found that 52% of young people between 18 and 29 believe that either US democracy is "in trouble" or "failed," while only 7% agree that it is "healthy," further highlighting the need to teach students about democratic institutions.
![Black and white photo of the US State House](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/b%26w_photo_us_state_house.png?h=a6c55029&itok=OVK2Jup-)
Every Teacher Deserves This Support
Katy Seltz, a high school educator in Tennessee, shares how Facing History has made a difference to her and her students.
![Katy Seltz speaking at Memphis 2023 Benefit - FH2200152](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-01/Katy%20Seltz%20speaking%20at%20Memphis%202023%20Benefit%20-%20FH2200152.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=XYDX_niy)
Challenging Racial and Religious Hatred in the Classroom
A look at recent teacher training sessions to support teachers in discussing racial and religious hatred in the classroom.
![British Muslim Heritage Center in Manchester, United Kingdom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-12/89d8eee9-963c-4e8b-ae1b-773df34741a3.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=VnEqTJ8b)
5 Tips for Speaking across Difference over the Holidays
As social gatherings commence this holiday season, explore these suggestions to help keep dialogue around sensitive topics productive and meaningful.
![A group of friends and family of Indian ethnicity sit at a table set with traditional Indian food. A high angle view from overhead of the food, plates, and dishes at the dining table.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-11/iStock-1064762202.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=zd-9v8JG)
Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship Lesson Plan Ideas
Use these media literacy and digital citizenship lesson plans to foster students’ digital literacy and spur healthy habits around media and technology use.
![Three girls sitting on a couch in a studio](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-10/pexels-cottonbro-studio-5998698.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=5bZbZPo2)