MISSION

Teach Americans, especially young Americans, how to be effective citizens.


BELIEFS

The lack of citizen involvement is a quiet epidemic and threat to our future. (more)

Americans need a broader view of citizenship - it goes well beyond voting, jury duty, and community service. (more)

Effective citizens do simple, yet powerful, things - citizen actions - on a daily basis that keep our country strong, vital and free.


FOCUS

On 100 Citizen Actions - identifying them, explaining why they matter and, in some cases, explaining how to do them.  We have grouped them into six categories of actions that:  

  1. remind us of our Heritage,
  2. involve us in the Democratic Process,
  3. support Special Groups with a responsibility for  keeping the country strong,
  4. help us understand our Government,
  5. promote a sense of Community, and
  6. strengthen Individuals and Families.

Also see citizen actions by grade level.

President Kennedy recognized this need for more citizen involvement in his 1961 Inaugural address admonition:

"Ask not what your country can do for you -
 ask what you can do for your country." 
(listen - 15 min)

In some small, yet important way, Good Citizen's mission is a response to his plea.