March 9-13, 2026: Civic Learning Week

WHEREAS, healthy and vibrant civic life requires informed and engaged communities; and,  

WHEREAS, civic education is the foundation for interdisciplinary learning and societal interaction; and,

WHEREAS, civic education provides the groundwork to develop skills for dialogue, understand institutions and democratic processes, collaborate and cooperate through difference to resolve issues, honor diverse perspectives, and enhance the civic strength of our communities; and,

WHEREAS, meaningful curriculum and pedagogies provide the opportunities for students, teachers and communities to practice the skills and dispositions required of our democracy; and,

WHEREAS, students, educators, organizations, and industry rely on civic education to advance shared democratic values; and,

WHEREAS, students who are informed and engaged possess greater civic agency and self-efficacy to positively impact self and others; and,

WHEREAS, civic education is vital to sustaining and strengthening constitutional democracy in the United States of America; and,

WHEREAS, the practice of democracy must be taught and learned anew by each generation; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan serves to advance excellence in civic education professional learning, programming, and curriculum; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan serves to advance college, career, and civic ready students; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan invests in civic learning for all students and their communities; and,

WHEREAS, Civic Learning Week seeks to unite our communities and highlight the importance of civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions that provide the foundation for an informed and engaged communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 9-13, 2026, as Civic Learning Week in Michigan.