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Choosing to Participate

This section focuses on how understanding the past can connect with the issues of today. Contemporary stories show how history is made every day by ordinary human beings. Students begin to understand that they also have the power to change the course of history through their own individual actions. They explore what it means to be a citizen in a democracy, to exercise ones rights and responsibilities in the service of a more humane and compassionate world.
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa on Responsibility
 Video Clip May 20, 2010
18 in 08 and Civic Participation
Former Facing History student, David Burstein, directed the film 18 in 08 about the effort to mobilize young voters in the 2008 presidential election.  This trailer offers brief explanations of why so many young people don't go to the polls to vote.
 Facing Today September 15, 2008
30 Things You Can Do During Genocide Prevention Month
April is Genocide Prevention Month.  The website www.genocidepreventionmonth.org  offers 30 Things You Can Do During Genocide Prevention Month, such as watching movies, visiting memorials, and passing out the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 Facing Today April 8, 2009
A Force More Powerful

6 episodes, 30 minutes each
Source: aforcemorepowerful.org

This series uses archival footage to present six stories of successful nonviolent movements around the world. Each includes interviews with witnesses, survivors and unsung heroes who contributed to these century-changing events.

1. Nashville: “We Were Warriors”

 Library Resource December 15, 2009
A Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement Lesson 1
 Lesson Plan December 9, 2008
A Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement Lesson 2
 Lesson Plan December 30, 2008
A Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement Lesson 3
 Lesson Plan December 30, 2008
A Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement Lesson 4
 Lesson Plan December 30, 2008
A Toolbox for Preventing Genocide
During April 2004, commemorations across the world marked the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide in which more than 800,000 Tutsis and some Hutus were slaughtered in a bloody 100-day rampage. The commemorations were marked by solemn pledges from diplomats and human rights activists to never allow another "Rwanda.
 Facing Today March 30, 2008
A. Philip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom

86 minutes
Source: California Newsreel

A. Philip Randolph began his career during the Harlem Renaissance as a radical soapbox orator and journalist, and went on to become an influential black labor leader. Partly because of his efforts, President Roosevelt banned discrimination in defense industries and President Truman signed an executive order to desegregate the military. In 1963, Randolph called for a March on Washington and became known as a father of the modern civil rights movement.

 Library Resource December 15, 2009
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