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Introducing Civics 4 All

Over the next four years, there will be plenty of content creators offering breathless coverage of every political development. I am not one of them.

Instead, Civics 4 All will offer context.

 

I know that talking about civic education makes some people’s eyes glaze over, but there has never been a more important time for Americans to understand how our government works. Civic education helps us understand our interests and the role we play in a democratic society. The knowledge it provides is a powerful weapon against political spin and misinformation. It gives citizens the tools they need to make informed political decisions and hold politicians accountable for their actions.

To be clear, when I say civic education, I’m not just talking about the government class you took in high school or the political science class you took in college. They were only a small part of a larger process of lifelong learning. Your civic education actually started as a child with your earliest memories of Fourth of July cookouts, Thanksgiving school plays, and that cartoon bill singing about Congress. Events like these provided you with an early introduction to American history and built the foundation for your future learning. As you grew older, you were introduced to opportunities for hands-on learning. Your teachable moments were participating in student council elections and mock trials. Even voting for reality show winners helped to demonstrate the real-world consequences of political actions.

Discussions about civic education usually lead to handwringing about taxes and how we can’t afford to pour more money into America’s public schools. Let’s be honest, what we can’t afford to do is wait for the next generation to grow up before we find solutions for America’s problems. Who says civic education has to be just for students? It’s time to start thinking outside of the classroom. We all need to step up and take responsibility for our own civic education.

The Journey

 I’ll be your professor and personal guide on a journey through the history, structure, and functions of America’s government. Through a series of weekly newsletters, I’ll explain how we got here and answer your most pressing questions about how government works.

Civics 4 All newsletters will answer the following questions:

  • What is civic education?

  • How much do average Americans know about government and politics? Why does it matter?

  • What is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism?

  • What is the difference between communism and socialism?

  • What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

  • What is the President’s actual job description?

  • How does Congress work?

  • Why does America have two dominant political parties?

  • What does it mean to be liberal or conservative? What does this have to do with the political parties?

  • How does public opinion polling work? When should you trust a poll?

  • How do elections work? Should we trust the election process?

  • America is a “nation of immigrants,” so how have we regulated immigration in the past?

  • What do America’s founding documents actually say?

  • What can we do now to build a better future?

About Roneka

 Roneka was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1983. Her interest in politics was sparked at an early age, inspiring her educational and career choices. She earned a B.A. in international studies from Emory University in 2005 and an M.A. in political science from The Ohio State University in 2008. After graduating, she returned to South Carolina to teach political science and African American studies at the College of Charleston.
 

Her commitment to civic engagement took her from the classroom to the polls in 2016 when she became a South Carolina elections official. She continued to serve in this capacity after moving to Saginaw, Michigan, working both the 2020 and 2024 elections. These experiences ignited her passion for civic education, leading her to found a nonprofit organization with a mission to teach the information from the American Government course she created to as many Americans as possible.

Roneka has also worked as a staff writer and data analyst for a nonprofit political organization. This experience allowed her to hone her writing and research skills and broadened her expertise to include the nuances of government at the state and local levels.

Excerpts from Roneka’s forthcoming book Civics 4 All: A Survival Guide to American Politics and Government will form the foundation of these weekly newsletters. Follow Civics 4 All on Bluesky to learn more about Roneka and communicate with her about her work.

Subscriptions 

 
Think of this survival guide to American government and politics as a one-on-one civics refresher course designed to help you make sense of recent political developments. There are several ways to support Civics 4 All and our mission:

  1. Free subscriptions include summaries and excerpts from Civics 4 All's weekly newsletters.

  2. $4.00 Monthly subscriptions include enhanced Civics 4 All newsletters delivered directly to your inbox each week for a month. That's less than TEN CENTS per week!

  3. $40.00 Annual subscriptions include enhanced Civics 4 All newsletters delivered directly to your inbox each week for a year. Receive TWO FREE MONTHS of newsletters for purchasing an annual subscription!

  4. $100.00 Contributor subscriptions include enhanced Civics 4 All newsletters delivered directly to your inbox each week for a year, as well as a complimentary copy of our latest e-book (scheduled for release in 2025). In addition, you can contribute to Civics 4 All newsletters with your questions, commentary, and guest essays. 

  5. One-time donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Your support allows us to continue advocating for civic education!​

Well, what are you waiting for? Subscribe, share, and let’s get started!
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