Democracy Corps Online
by Meg Heubeck
September 25, 2009

Democracy Corps is available online. To access all of YLI's great service learning materials visit our blog at www.demokrato.wordpress.com or click the Democracy Corps link from www.youthleadership.net.

The YLI Democracy Corps answers students' questions about why we have a democracy and how they can be involved in it. Students then move quickly from the blackboard to the blacktop as they interact with local political leaders, deliberate solutions to real problems and influence public policy related to a contemporary issue of their choice.

Class time during Democracy Corps is characterized by discussions among peers about their political views and potential solutions to community problems. This deliberation is a critical component of long-term participation. Salient research shows that students who discuss politics in class are 91 percent more likely to express interest in issues facing the nation, join a group to solve problems, contact an elected official, volunteer in the community, or work for a political party.

Beyond engaging students in the political process, Democracy Corps builds on the rich experiences of Service Learning programs by placing the needs of charitable organizations in the context of government and civics-related issues. As Ken Stroupe, Chief of Staff for the Center for Politics, has said, "During the fleeting moment when students are taking an active interest in the needs of their community, it is negligent to miss the opportunity to also connect them with the larger world of government and public policy."

Based on experiences with students and current research, Democracy Corps helps teachers develop citizens who exercise their democratic responsibilities outside the confines of the government classroom. Instead of passing the torch, Democracy Corps students are sparked to carry the flame for democracy's future.

As with all YLI resources www.demokrato.wordpress.com is accessible FREE of charge to all educators.