Symbols List

LIST OF ISSUES AND IDEAS and Symbols

Heartbeat of Democracy

• The U.S. Capitol Building: This is where our country's laws are made. It's like the heart of American democracy.

• The Oval Office: The president works here, making big decisions for the country.

• The Supreme Court: This place makes sure our laws fit the Constitution, the rule book of the country.

• The Declaration of Independence: A letter that said America wanted to be its own country, free from British rule.

• The Bill of Rights: The first 10 rules of the Constitution that protect our freedoms, like speech and religion.

• The Liberty Bell: An old bell that stands for freedom and independence.

• Presidential Elections: When we choose the president, showing democracy in action as people vote.

• Jury Duty: Serving on a jury helps make sure our legal system is fair, letting ordinary people have a say.

• The Constitution: It's like the rulebook for how the country works, making sure everything is fair.

• National Anthem: A song that shows love for our country and its values.

• Pledge of Allegiance: A promise we make to be loyal to the United States and its ideals.

• Voter Registration Cards: These let people sign up to vote, making sure everyone has a voice.

• The American Flag: Our country's flag, representing unity and freedom.

• Freedom of Speech: The right to say what you think without getting in trouble, as long as it's respectful.

• Town Hall Meetings: Events where people talk about what's happening in their community and share ideas.

Famous Icons & Democracy Moments in American History

• Martin Luther King Jr.: He fought for equal rights for everyone, no matter their skin color.

• Rosa Parks: She bravely refused to give up her bus seat, helping start a big movement for equal rights.

• The Suffragettes: A group of women who worked hard so that women could have the right to vote.

• The Boston Tea Party: When people in Boston dumped tea into the sea to protest unfair taxes.

• Abraham Lincoln: The president who worked to end slavery and keep the country together.

• George Washington: The first president of the United States, known as the "Father of Our Country."

• The Emancipation Proclamation: A document by Lincoln that said slaves were free in the Confederate states.

• The March on Washington: A huge gathering for jobs and freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech.

• Women's Right to Vote (19th Amendment): Changed the Constitution so women could vote.

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A law that made it illegal to treat people differently because of their race.

• The Declaration of Sentiments: Written at the first women's rights convention, it asked for equal rights for women.

• Harriet Tubman: She led many slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

• Cesar Chavez: Fought for better working conditions for farm workers.

• Selma to Montgomery Marches: Peaceful protests that were important for African Americans' right to vote.

• The First Thanksgiving: A symbol of cooperation and respect between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

Youth in the Vanguard

• The National School Walkout: Students across the country left their classrooms to demand changes to gun laws. It showed young people can stand up for their safety and beliefs.

• March for Our Lives: After a tragic school shooting, students organized a huge march in Washington, D.C., to ask for stricter gun control. It was a powerful message that even young people want to make their country safer.

• The Climate Strike Movement: Kids and teenagers around the world skipped school to protest against climate change. They want leaders to take action to protect our planet for the future.

• Little Rock Nine: A group of brave African American students who were the first to integrate a high school in Arkansas, showing courage against racial discrimination.

• Freedom Summer: Young volunteers who went to Mississippi to help African Americans register to vote, fighting for equality and justice.

• DACA Students and Advocates: Young people brought to the U.S. as children who are standing up for their right to stay in the only country they've known as home.

• Parkland Students for Gun Reform: After their school experienced a tragic shooting, these students spoke out for changes to gun laws, showing that tragedy can lead to action.

• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): Young people who played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement, organizing sit-ins and voter registration drives.

• Malala Yousafzai's Fight for Education: A young girl from Pakistan who stood up for girls' rights to go to school, even after being attacked for her beliefs.

• Greta Thunberg and Environmental Advocacy: A teenager from Sweden who started skipping school on Fridays to protest for action on climate change, inspiring a global movement.

• Youth Vote Movements: Efforts to get more young people to vote, showing that their opinions matter in shaping the future.

• Dreamers: Young people fighting for the right to stay in the U.S. and be recognized as Americans, showing the struggle for identity and belonging.

• The Orange Shirt Day: Started by young people to honor and remember the children who were sent to residential schools in Canada. It's about acknowledging past wrongs and working towards reconciliation.

• Youth-Led Tech Innovations: Kids creating apps and projects to solve social problems, showing that age doesn't limit making a difference.

• The Anti-Bullying Movement: Led by young people who want schools to be safer and more welcoming for everyone, showing that kindness matters.

Community Service & the Fabric of Democracy

• Volunteerism Symbols (e.g., Helping Hands): People coming together to help others, like cleaning up parks or feeding the hungry. It shows we all have a part in making our community better.

• Neighborhood Associations: Groups of people in a neighborhood who work together to make their area a nicer place to live. They might plant trees or watch out for each other's houses.

• Non-Profit Organizations: Groups that work to make the world better, like animal shelters or food banks. They don't make money from their work; they do it to help others.

• Community Gardens: Places where people can grow their own fruits and vegetables. It's about sharing space and food with neighbors.

• Public Libraries: More than just books, libraries are places where anyone can learn and find information. They're a key part of our communities.

• Service Learning Projects: When students learn by doing projects that help their community, like organizing a recycling program at their school.

• The Peace Corps: Americans volunteering all over the world to help with things like teaching and health care. It shows how helping others goes beyond our borders.

• AmeriCorps: A program where young people can spend a year helping in different parts of the U.S., like helping after natural disasters or tutoring kids.

• The Red Cross: An organization that helps people during emergencies, like hurricanes or fires. Volunteers are crucial to their work.

• Meals on Wheels: Delivers food to people who can't leave their homes easily, showing how a simple act of kindness can mean a lot.

• Habitat for Humanity: Builds houses for families who need a safe place to live. It's about neighbors helping neighbors.

• 4-H Clubs: Groups where kids can learn about things like farming, science, and leadership. It's about growing skills and helping the community.

• Scouts (Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts): Organizations where young people do activities and learn values like helping others and being responsible.

• Environmental Clean-Ups: When people get together to clean up places like beaches or parks. It shows caring for our planet is important.

• Recycling Programs: Efforts to reduce waste and take care of the Earth. Even sorting trash can help our community and environment.