CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement)
conducts research on the civic and political engagement of young Americans.
The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

New Book: Engaging Young People in Civic Life

July 6th, 2009
Tweet
Share
Email to a Friend

Youniss and Levine book coverVanderbilt University Press has published Engaging Young People in Civic Life, edited by James Youniss and by Peter Levine, with a forward by former United States Representative Lee Hamilton.

This book originated in a meeting organized by CIRCLE and funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York. Many of the chapters are informed by CIRCLE-funded research projects. This is CIRCLE’s press release.

In the forward, Hamilton writes, “I can think of no task more important for the future of American democracy than teaching young people about our system of government and encouraging them to get involved in politics and community service. … Engaging Young People in Civic Life is tough-minded, data-driven, and unsentimental. It is full of concrete policy proposals for schools, municipalities, service programs, and political parties. It offers all the appropriate scholarly caveats and qualifications. But at its heart, it is a plea to revive American democracy by offering all our young people the civic opportunities they want and so richly deserve.”

Table of Contents

Foreword – Lee Hamilton

Introduction. Policy for Youth Civic Engagement – Peter Levine and James Youniss

Part I. Youth and Schools

Chapter 1. A “Younger Americans Act”: An Old Idea for a New Era – James Youniss and Peter Levine

Chapter 2. Democracy for Some: The Civic Opportunity Gap in High School – Joseph Kahne and Ellen Middaugh

Chapter 3. Principles That Promote Discussion of Controversial Political Issues – Diana Hess

Part II. Political Environments: Neighborhoods and Cities

Chapter 4. Policies for Civic Engagement Beyond the Schoolyard – James G. Gimpel and Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz

Chapter 5. Civic Participation and Development in Urban Adolescents – Daniel Hart and Ben Kirshner

Chapter 6. City Government As Enabler of Youth Civic Engagement: Policy Design and Implications – Carmen Sirianni and Diana Marginean Schor

Chapter 7. Local Political Parties and Young Voters: Context, Resources, and Policy Innovation – Daniel M. Shea

Part III. Policy Models from Other Nations

Chapter 8. Youth Electoral Participation in Canada and Scandinavia – Henry Milner

Chapter 9. Civic Education in Europe: Perspectives from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France – Marc Hooghe and Ellen Claes

Chapter 10. Strengthening Education for Citizenship and Democracy in the UK – David Kerr and Elizabeth Cleaver

Conclusion. The Way Forward – Peter Levine and James Youniss

48 Responses to “New Book: Engaging Young People in Civic Life”

  1. links for 2009-07-06 - Kevin Bondelli’s Youth Vote Blog Says:

    […] CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic engagement and civic education. » New B… […]

  2. CIRCLE - A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic … « Knowter Says:

    […] More:  CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic … […]

  3. zadania matematyczne Says:

    Great post !!! Thx for sharing

  4. Frank Oem Says:

    Thanks, interesting article, will continue?

  5. brianS Says:

    Do you have a link to where i could buy this book? thanks!

  6. fedex locations Says:

    Thanks, interesting article, will continue?

  7. sinema Says:

    Thanks for the information

  8. Vanderbilt University Says:

    Thanks for the book reference. I might have to pick it up; I assume you can buy it from the Vanderbilt University bookstore. I am very interested in the influence young voters have over how our government is shaped. Also, I would like to gain an insight as to what motivates young voters to actually go out and cast the ballot.

  9. Free Food Says:

    Well, Hamilton was right. You can’t really have a future for American Democracy, if upcoming voters and politicians don’t understand political issues. But then again, that’s like saying “What’s up, must come down.”

  10. Vintage Womens Shoes Says:

    Great recommendation. Our kids need more opportunities to get involved in politics and community service. This book will help the public understand its importance.

  11. Kebaya Says:

    Great post !!! Thx for sharing

  12. South Lake Tahoe water damage Says:

    This important book tackles head-on one of the major concerns of our day, that too many young people, especially those who don’t attend college, are ill informed about and disengaged from politics.

  13. Ca Mortgage Says:

    In this book you can find some helpful tip that can be used daily. It open our eyes to presently happening and how to deal with them.

  14. Fire Resistant Clothing Says:

    Today everyone knows about the importance of civic life for youth,so it should be tried from now so that youth will participate in a social issues in future.

  15. Annie Daniel Says:

    It clearly discusses the importance and ways to engage young people in the reality of life. Many actually disregard the fact that our youth is very important to improve our lives.

  16. Matthew Jones Says:

    If we only give opportunity to our Youth today, they can really help us in changing our situation now. Because they really know what they want to achieve in their lives. They are more focus on their goal before anything else.

  17. Business Advice Forum Says:

    In this way, our youth can change their life practically, situations and problems can be handled easily. We should consider it a big challenge ahead to achieve.

  18. Galini Beach Says:

    A big challenge indeed it is, youth equals to hope..Let us learn from our mistakes and make young people wiser than us

  19. Riddell football helmets Says:

    I might have to pick it up; I assume you can buy it from the Vanderbilt University bookstore.

  20. paitoon Says:

    Great post !!! Thx for sharing

  21. ptdt Says:

    Thx for sharing

  22. datingsite Says:

    I did read this book and it was very interesting. I liked the second part the most.

  23. YourNetBiz Says:

    In this way, our youth can change their life practically, situations and problems can be handled easily. We should consider it a big challenge ahead to achieve.

  24. New York Says:

    Engaging young people in civic life is a giant leap in the journey towards the future. They are the future guardian of a nation. If the sense of service for the community and nation can be created in the young minds, they will become responsible citizens and will take vital role in shaping the fate of the nation.

  25. Hotels Booking Says:

    In this way, our youth can change their life practically, situations and problems can be handled easily. We should consider it a big challenge ahead to achieve.

  26. minibus manchester Says:

    Well, Hamilton was right. You can’t really have a future for American Democracy, if upcoming voters and politicians don’t understand political issues. But then again, that’s like saying “What’s up, must come down.”

  27. EveningDresses Says:

    Hamilton was right.political issues should be understood by every politicians

  28. Custom Remodelers Inc Says:

    Many popular TV shows in North America involve renovations or home make-overs. As a result of these factors, the renovation market has thrived in many major cities and suburban centres around the world

  29. Bad pool header Says:

    I have read this fantastic book. However, it is not an easy book to read. I have to pick up again.

  30. After Surgery Healing Says:

    Through this preparation, you can empower your mind and body to begin healing prior to the procedure, in other words, to begin PreEmptive Healing.

  31. buy 0800 number Says:

    The facility given here is with the number series and it will act as the information regarding the new number people need in their house with national profile.

  32. Spa Thailand Says:

    Sprouted from the traditional wisdom of Tao and through the Qigong Master Mantak Chia teachings, it travels into the waiting lives of those who seek healthy lifestyles.

  33. cleaning raleigh Says:

    Don’t waste time and money using store-bought carpet cleaners. Make this easy and effective all-purpose carpet cleaner with items you have in your home.

  34. paitoon Says:

    I like this informative post.

  35. watch the cleveland show online Says:

    It is vital for all democracies to teach youths about civic life, not only in America. They are our future, however scary this may be..

  36. potty training girls Says:

    We should teach and protect our future.
    Give more care to them.

  37. Wedding centerpiece vases Says:

    I have already started reading some of your articles. I found great articles here. And I will get back here. Thanks.

  38. Outdoor kitchen pictures Says:

    Thank you for this analysis. I’m student of sociological department. I need such surveys for my diploma. I think I can take this subject for the basis. Keep up your work.

  39. Glass table tops Says:

    Well, Hamilton was right. You can’t really have a future for American Democracy, if upcoming voters and politicians don’t understand political issues. I did read this blog and it was very interesting. I liked the second part the most.

  40. jack rabbit Says:

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your post

  41. adult movies for cheap Says:

    That Post is Full of informative. Thanks for that kind of sharing. Hope u will share again with us.

  42. Motorcycle tie downs Says:

    Well, Hamilton was right. You can’t really have a future for American Democracy, if upcoming voters and politicians don’t understand political issues. Very useful post. Great information and presentation. The leaders of today build the future of tomorrow. Of course I am going to use this!

  43. Solar post caps Says:

    I assume you can buy it from the Vanderbilt University bookstore. I am very interested in the influence young voters have over how our government is shaped. Thank you for highlighting this, keep up your good work.

  44. Long summer dress Says:

    Thanks for the reference book. I’ll have to pick, I guess you can buy at the bookstore at the University of Vanderbilt. I am very interested in influencing young voters have on how our government has the form. Also, I would like to gain an insight as to what motivates young voters to actually go out and cast a ballot.

  45. dalaman airport transfer Says:

    you are doing great things best regards waiting more

  46. Lipoaspiração Says:

    In this way, our youth can change their life practically, situations and problems can be handled easily. We should consider it a big challenge ahead to achieve.

  47. Green screen backgrounds Says:

    Thanks for the reference book. I’ll have to pick, I guess you can buy at the bookstore at the University of Vanderbilt. I am very interested in influencing young voters have on how our government has the form. Also, I would like to gain an insight as to what motivates young voters to actually go out and cast a ballot.

  48. Prank call ideas Says:

    Great recommendation. Our children need more opportunities to get involved in politics and community service. This book will help the public understand its importance.