Illinois Civic Mission Coalition

The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition is a broad, non-partisan consortium including educators, administrators, students, universities, funders, elected officials, policymakers, and representatives from the private and non-profit sectors. Formed in 2004, the Illinois Coalition is part of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a national initiative to restore a core purpose of education to prepare America's youngest citizens to be informed and active participants in our democracy. The Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago served as convener for the Coalition. 

On February 8-10, 2009, the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition and the McCormick Freedom Museum convened 80 civic leaders, policy makers and teachers at “Educating for Democracy: Creating a Civic Blueprint for Illinois,” a conference at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. An outcome of the conference was The Civic Blueprint for Illinois High Schools. The Civic Blueprint outlines recommendations in six key areas that can be adopted in every high school in the state.

Six Key Areas:

•     Instruction
•     Discussion of Current Issues
•     Service-learning
•     Activities
•     Student Voice
•     Simulations

The activities of the Civic Mission of Illinois High Schools continue to be carried out by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.