A NEWSLETTER FOR CONCERNED CITIZENS “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.” — Dwight Eisenhower The angst and anger emanating from those controlling the current political debate is creating a civic polarization […]
New School Year, New Curriculum
Curriculum updates, which began in 2014, are now complete. A number of exciting new changes are being implemented this fall. The curriculum has different levels to accommodate students with varying levels of experience with the program or knowledge of civics. According to Julie Schaul, a designer and developer for the program, “OAV was redesigned […]
Primary Sources for All
Lisa Dettling, head librarian at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, is bringing the Primary Source Nexus to her school. “I’ve been taking all kinds of resources and putting them in one spot for teachers,” said Dettling. Links to primary sources are imbedded in the school library’s website, taking students and teachers directly to the source […]
Happy 7th Birthday, OAV!
American Voice turned seven this fall. Throughout the program’s lifetime, OAV’s students have collaborated with their communities to bring sustained change through projects designed to enhance safety, encourage healthy eating habits, discourage bullying and reduce waste. This year is bound to be a busy one, with programs running in Tucson, Berwyn, and Chicago Public Schools. […]
Junior Mustangs OAV Fun Run/Walk
The 1st Annual Junior Mustangs OAV Fun Run/Walk was a huge success! Students and their families braved the cold, rain, and wind to support OAV!
It’s all about RESPECT
CBS News Chicago visits with 4th graders at Hiawatha Elementary School in Berwyn, IL who successfully changed their school’s mascot and logo to respect cultural sensitivity.
It’s all about civic engagement
CBS News Chicago visits with students at Irving Elementary School in Berwyn, IL make their school a better place by promoting inclusion and friendship with a buddy bench.
Jackie Robinson West
Read Frank Islam and Ed Crego’s blog posts about the Jackie Robinson West baseball team. Ed and Frank had blogged about their accomplishments and impact in the summer. Due to the recent turn of events, Ed and Frank look reflect on the accomplishments and legacy of these amazing young men that so captivated us this […]
Remember OAV on Giving Tuesday
We have a day for giving thanks. We have a day for deals. And we have #GivingTuesday, December 2, 2014, a global day dedicated to giving back. We hope you will give to Our American Voice on #GivingTuesday, December 2, and give the gift of empowerment to our young people so they may work together […]
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15) in the classroom, we invite educators to check out this extensive list of themed link sets from the Library of Congress that can easily be integrated into instruction!