It has been nearly a generation since Americans have been so caught up in the euphoric emotions of patriotism.  Sept. 11 has become one of those dates that everyone recognizes as a defining moment in the world’s history.
 
On that day America’s outlook on life and living changed radically.  Bumper stickers returned to bumpers and windows proclaiming the pride of the nation; nearly all sermons and speeches refer at some point to the events of Sept. 11 and the days following.  The national anthem is sung with more vigor; tears well up in eyes as images of the seven prisoners of war return home; and the toppling of the statue of Sadaam Hussein stands alongside the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima as symbols of the strength of the American spirit.
 
Even Caroline Kennedy has chosen this time to publish a book entitled “A Patriot’s Handbook” to call attention to the many expressions of patriotism contained in the speeches of her father, President John Kennedy.  The aftermath of Sept. 11 has created a new bond among all Americans even though emotional voices are raised on both sides on the issue of the war to liberate Iraq. 

Yet aspects of patriotism remain that go beyond flag-waving and military images.  The Pew Charitable Trust funded a national study to determine how well Americans really understand the nature of government.  The study demonstrated that though many of us have followed carefully national events since Sept. 11, nearly half of all Americans are completely disengaged from true civic or political activities.   Civic attitudes as well as civic knowledge were examined, and most respondents demonstrated very little awareness of the intricacies of government and how it works. 

Do people believe that being involved in their communities makes a difference?  Do people trust government to make good decisions?  Do Americans know basic facts about all levels of government or community service?  Do citizens know their own rights and freedoms?  Do young people today still take civics classes in school and read the newspaper or follow other media for important issues facing the state, the nation and the world? 

Social studies and civics classes have become less and less important because of the growing interest in science and math.  The strong focus on end-of-test results has taken attention away from civics because there is less testing in that area.  Public school administrators have also noted that there has been a decline in PTA memberships as well as a lack of knowledge about city and county government.  Clearly the voter registration numbers have declined.  The survey will point out just what effects these statistics have on the development of our state, the regions within the state, and how we compare with other parts of the nation. 

The North Carolina Civic Index will compare statewide polls from section to section to determine how well North Carolinians fit into this national trend.  Various sections of the state also will be compared.  This study will provide a snapshot of our state’s civic vitality.  Youth and adults will be surveyed to determine knowledge of civic behavior, level of civic skills and engagement with civic opportunities.  The North Carolina study is being funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and the Smith Richardson Foundation.  

The Civic Education Consortium has been established in North Carolina.  It is housed at The School of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill. Its mission is to unite educators and youth to find ways to revitalize civic education in this state. Its stated vision is to establish a future in which all “North Carolina children and youth become enthusiastic, involved citizens endowed with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in democratic life.” 

Through the program, youth will understand how government, business and nonprofit organizations work together to create strong communities; understand that individual participation is a critical factor in community success; and consider and respect others when deliberating, negotiating, organizing and advocating for their own positions on public issues.

Civic education.  It is a fundamental part of being a patriot.  The restoration of and appreciation for how our governmental entities, community organizations and nonprofits work together is at the heart of the American Pride whose banner we proudly wave.