[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 661 Introduced in House (IH)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 661

         Supporting youth civic literacy in the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 28, 2000

  Mr. Conyers (for himself, Ms. Kilpatrick, Mr. Rush, Mr. Kildee, Mr. 
   Owens, Mr. Andrews, Ms. Rivers, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Payne, Mr. Romero-
 Barcelo, Mr. Dicks, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. George Miller of 
  California, Mr. Filner, Mr. Bonior, Mr. Dingell, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. 
Lewis of Georgia, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Meehan, 
and Mr. Hinchey) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
            to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
         Supporting youth civic literacy in the United States.

Whereas the issue of youth participation in the democratic process and learning 
        the necessary knowledge and skills to function within the United States' 
        democratic system has been recognized as a major crisis area by 
        representatives and elected officials, and by the leaders of educational 
        institutions and civic organizations, across the Nation;
Whereas less than 20 percent Americans between 18 and 20 years old voted in 
        1998, including less than 11 percent of those 18 and 19 years old;
Whereas the absence of obvious forums for self-expression are an important 
        contributor to the serious lack of knowledge and interest exhibited by 
        the American populace in issues of politics, civic participation, and 
        public discussion;
Whereas more than 75 percent of Americans between 18 and 29 years old believe 
        that their generation has an important voice, but that no one seems to 
        hear it;
Whereas the concept of civic literacy addresses the absence of methods and 
        forums for self-expression and enables citizens to create a peaceful and 
        effective society, through the use of discussion, debate, conflict 
        resolution, and mutual respect and tolerance;
Whereas 88 percent of Americans 18 and 19 years old believe that voting in 
        elections is an effective way to make change;
Whereas the educational leaders in many of our cities, counties, and States have 
        begun to implement measures to deal with this crisis by acknowledging 
        that civic education should play an integral role in all curricula; and
Whereas there are many projects in United States primary and secondary schools, 
        colleges and universities, cities, counties, States, and elsewhere 
        throughout the Nation that address the lack of civic participation in 
        the United States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports youth civic literacy in the United States; and
            (2) urges United States educational institutions, students, 
        teachers, elected officials, community leaders, and other 
        interested parties to participate in local and national youth 
        civic education projects.
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