"The overall goal of civic education should be to help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives”
-- The Civic Mission of Schools, 2003

The defining characteristics of citizen competency and responsibility include:

• Civic and Political Knowledge:
  Information about our history and government; basic understanding of democracy and democratic principles; information and resources for electoral participation; and the understanding of institutions and important current events.
• Civic and Political Skills:
  Skills necessary to participate in civic and political life including speaking and writing, critical thinking, an ability to listen to other perspectives, a sense of social capital and a comfort with the give-and-take process of consensus-building in a democracy.
• Civic Attitudes:
  Respect for diverse viewpoints; belief in the importance of participation in political processes and civic life; understanding of the common good; sense of social and civic efficacy; appreciation of participation in public and civic life; an interest in politics with an intention to vote; and an openness to political persuasion.
• Political Participation:
  Engagement in traditionally political activities such as voting, attending public meetings, education and advocacy on public issues and voicing opinions through letters to elected officials or the media.
• Community Participation:
  Active participation in voluntary organizations such as church, neighborhood associations, youth groups, etc.
• Civic Commitments:
  A sense of personal responsibility in society; a willingness to participate in mutual endeavors and to address common needs; and a commitment to making change to promote or maintain equity and fairness.

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