Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative
This timeline tracks the evolution of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Civic Learning Initiative.
In collaboration with state and county education agencies, lawmakers, and non-profit organizations, Power of Democracy has promoted a better understanding of government and the rule of law in students K-12.
2010-02-26 23:49:55
Commission for Impartial Courts Prioritzes Outreach
Commission reports key factors that affect public perception and confidence in the court system
2010-08-27 11:36:49
Judicial Branch Focus on Civics
California courts heighten efforts to promote judicial outreach, public information, and civics education at all levels, including:
2013-02-28 02:00:00
California Judicial Branch Sponsors First Civic Learning Summit
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor lends support.
2013-07-01 00:00:00
Chief Justice Launches Study on Civic Learning in California
K-12 task force is appointed to study accessibility gaps in civic learning. View summary article in EdSource
2014-08-01 00:00:00
“California’s current civics classes emphasize memorization over participatory skills"
K-12 Task Force on Civic Learning presents findings, issues final report.
2016-07-14 00:00:00
State Board of Education Includes Civics in New Framework
"This framework adds considerable information on civic learning, consistent with the work of the California Task Force on K–12 Civic Learning."
2017-02-15 00:00:00
Second Civic Learning Summit
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy adds his support.
2017-10-01 00:00:00
Incentivizing Civic Engagement
Legislation recognizes achievements in civics. Members of the Power of Democracy Steering Committee contribute to drafting criteria.
2018-03-01 00:00:00
Judges in the Classroom Pilot
The Power of Democracy pilots an outreach program matching teachers with judges to expand access to civics.
2020-03-05 20:59:53
Civic Learning Awards Honor 75 California Schools
The annual award was first presented in 2013 and is co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
2020-04-22 15:46:54
Court Outreach Goes Online
When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to postpone a visit by a California Supreme Court Justice, Butte County students hosted the visit online.
2020-09-20 13:52:06
State Seal of Civic Engagement
The State Board of Education unanimously approves a State Seal of Civic Engagement.
2021-04-21 13:01:24
Virtual Celebration of Civics
The Civic Learning Award shifts focus during the pandemic and recognizes impacts of classes, programs, and individual "champions"
2022-04-29 17:30:51
Remote Judges in the Classroom
During the 2020-2021 academic year, judges complete 244 remote visits. Courts in 11 counties are connected to Judges in the Classroom.
2023-01-20 23:41:35
The Future of the Power of Democracy
Two weeks after being sworn-in, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announces she will continue to sponsor the work of the Power of Democracy initiative.
2023-05-01 01:25:47
The 2023 Civic Learning Awards
The state's most competitive honor recognizing achievements in civic learning returns focus to school-wide efforts.
2023-09-13 19:11:24
Constitution Month
California's judicial branch commemorates Constitution Day all month long with efforts concentrated on connecting judges with classrooms in counties across the state. Other counties opened their doors for student visits.
2023-09-14 16:02:21
Chief Justice Presents Awards of Excellence
Three Awards are presented to Elementary, Middle, and High School honorees. This is the Chief Justice's first year traveling to school campuses.
2023-09-19 02:39:04
A 10-Year Retrospective
Power of Democracy Steering Committee Chair Justice Judith McConnell presents on the work of POD since its launch in 2013
2024-02-01 10:25:14
Chief Justice Reappoints POD Leadership
At a statewide convening of court leaders, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announces her vision for the judicial branch to own the Power of Democracy, connecting with schools across the state through court-driven outreach.