Civic education is the backbone of our democracy.  

Strengthening democracy by preparing all students for civic participation.

The DemocracyReady NY Coalition is the premier statewide force for civic education, with diverse, intergenerational leadership, a broad,  committed roster of members, and a strong track record of accomplishments. 

Our goal is to ensure every New York school provides **equitable, high-quality civic learning opportunities from pre-K through grade 12**, so all students graduate from high school ready for civic participation in college, career, and community life.

We work collectively to 

- **Raise awareness** about every student’s right under the state constitution to an education that prepares them for civic participation.
- **Strengthen investment**, **policy, and practice** to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to engage effectively in civic and political life, today and in the future​. 
- **Eliminate inequities** in access to quality P-12 civic learning opportunities.
- **Mobilize** youth, families, educators, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and philanthropy to work collectively toward these goals.

DemocracyReady NY activities include

- Leading [research](https://democracyreadyny.tc.columbia.edu/resources/) and advocacy to advance access to high quality civic education for all students.
- Sponsoring [New York Civic Learning Week](https://democracyreadyny.tc.columbia.edu/activities/) and our annual Summit on Civic Readiness.
- Supporting a [dynamic statewide cohort of high school and college students ](https://youtu.be/CDD2kgcU7Vk?si=LACKnr0vedS6BvAE)
- Working with the national [CivxNow](https://civxnow.org/) coalition to secure federal commitments for civic education and to support other state efforts.

Founded in 2018 at the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, DemocracyReady NY became an independent organization led by Jessica R. Wolff and Nan Eileen Mead in 2025. 

DemocracyReady NY

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