Civic Spirit

Civic Spirit Civic Spirit partners with faith-based schools to foster civic knowledge, belonging, & responsibility.

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 231 of 2502006 🇺🇸Nancy Pelosi Becomes the First Female Speaker of the House (2006)When Democrats...
06/14/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 231 of 250

2006 🇺🇸

Nancy Pelosi Becomes the First Female Speaker of the House (2006)
When Democrats took back Congress in the 2006 midterms, Nancy Pelosi stepped in as Speaker, the first woman to hold that office in American history. The founders built the House to be the branch closest to the people, with elections every two years precisely so voters could redirect things when they felt unheard. Pelosi's ascent was a real-world sign that the circle of who gets to lead kept expanding, something the founding generation left unfinished but also left open. (Submitted by Yael Steiner, Sr. Director of Programs)

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸Today we celebrate and honor the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of the United States. O...
06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate and honor the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of the United States. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the design of the national flag and declared that it would consist of thirteen stripes representing the original colonies and thirteen stars symbolizing a new constellation of states. In 1916, almost a century later, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially designating June 14 as Flag Day, a national observance recognizing the flag as a unifying emblem of American identity and ideals.

As we approach America's 250th, we are invited today to reflect on the meanings we assign to national symbols and the shared civic values they are meant to represent: unity, liberty, and participation in public life.

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 230 of 2502005 🇺🇸Hurricane Katrina (2005)In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, c...
06/13/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 230 of 250

2005 🇺🇸

Hurricane Katrina (2005)
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, causing catastrophic damage in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The disaster exposed weaknesses in emergency preparedness and coordination among local, state, and federal governments. Images from New Orleans raised difficult questions about poverty, race, infrastructure, and government accountability. Public frustration intensified as many communities waited days for assistance. The crisis prompted widespread civic engagement, charitable giving, and calls for institutional reform. Katrina became a powerful reminder that democratic government is judged not only by its laws but also by its ability to protect and serve its citizens during times of crisis.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 229 of 2502004 🇺🇸The Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian (2004)In 2004, the Na...
06/12/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 229 of 250

2004 🇺🇸

The Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian (2004)
In 2004, the National Museum of the American Indian opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the Smithsonian Institution. Established through legislation passed by Congress in 1989 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, the museum was developed in close collaboration with Indigenous communities across the United States and throughout the Western Hemisphere. The museum’s collections include hundreds of thousands of objects, photographs, and cultural materials representing diverse Indigenous nations and traditions. The opening marked a significant addition to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall and expanded the national landscape of public history while providing a space dedicated to Indigenous heritage, identity, and civic memory.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 228 of 2502003 🇺🇸The Veterans History Project Expansion (2003)In 2003, the Library of Congress s...
06/11/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 228 of 250

2003 🇺🇸

The Veterans History Project Expansion (2003)
In 2003, the Library of Congress significantly expanded the Veterans History Project, a national initiative dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible the firsthand accounts of American war veterans. Established by Congress in 2000, the project grew rapidly in its early years as schools, community organizations, and volunteers across the country submitted interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, and personal narratives. The program focuses on preserving “first-person” historical records from veterans of World War I through more recent conflicts, ensuring that individual experiences are documented alongside official military histories. By 2003, the project had expanded its national outreach efforts and increased participation from educators and civic groups while strengthening partnerships that helped bring veteran stories into classrooms and public archives.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

06/10/2026

We are thrilled to congratulate our Executive Director, Rabbi Charlie Savenor, on being named a recipient of the The Covenant Foundation's Award for Excellence in Jewish Education! The award recognizes educators whose vision, leadership, and impact have strengthened Jewish learning and inspired communities across generations.

At Civic Spirit, Charlie has championed the belief that faith, character, and civic responsibility belong together, helping educators and students engage thoughtfully with the challenges and opportunities of democratic life. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this recognition is a powerful affirmation of the role education plays in shaping engaged citizens and strong communities.

To read the press release, click here ➡ https://tinyurl.com/Covenant-Award

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor! 🎉

Join us on June 24 for our upcoming We the People session featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author Beverly Gage! Speaking...
06/10/2026

Join us on June 24 for our upcoming We the People session featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author Beverly Gage! Speaking on her new book, "The Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, Professor Gage will recount on her experience embarking on cross-country road trip to 13 key sites, from Philadelphia to Disneyland, where she examines how the nation celebrates and remembers its past while reflecting on its founding ideal in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary.

Register for your link here ➡ civicspirit.org/events

This session is cosponsored by the Community Scholars Program (CSP).

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 227 of 2502002 🇺🇸The Department of Homeland Security Is Created (2002)In 2002, Congress passed t...
06/10/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 227 of 250

2002 🇺🇸

The Department of Homeland Security Is Created (2002)
In 2002, Congress passed the Homeland Security Act, creating the Department of Homeland Security, the largest reorganization of the federal government since the establishment of the Department of Defense in 1947. The new department consolidated 22 federal agencies and offices under a single cabinet-level organization responsible for coordinating efforts to protect the nation from terrorist threats and respond to emergencies. The creation of the department reflected significant changes in federal policy and national security priorities following the September 11 attacks, reshaping how the government approached public safety, emergency preparedness, and interagency cooperation.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 226 of 2502001 🇺🇸September 11 Attacks and USA PATRIOT Act (2001)On September 11, 2001, terrorist...
06/09/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 226 of 250

2001 🇺🇸

September 11 Attacks and USA PATRIOT Act (2001)
On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 killed nearly 3,000 people and profoundly altered American life. The attacks prompted an extraordinary outpouring of national unity, public service, and civic solidarity. In an address to Congress, President George W. Bush declared, “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended.” Citizens across the country participated in volunteer efforts, memorials, and acts of public support. The attacks also initiated lasting debates about national security, civil liberties, and America's role in the world. September 11 became a defining moment in the nation's civic identity and collective memory. In 2001, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The law expanded government surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement powers in an effort to prevent future attacks. Supporters argued that the legislation was necessary to protect national security in a new era of terrorism. Critics warned that it risked eroding civil liberties and privacy protections. The Act sparked an enduring debate about the balance between security and freedom in a constitutional democracy. That debate continues to shape American public life and legal policy.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 225 of 2502000 🇺🇸Bush v. Gore and the Peaceful Transfer of Power (2000)In 2000, the presidential...
06/08/2026

"250 to 250 Campaign" - 225 of 250

2000 🇺🇸

Bush v. Gore and the Peaceful Transfer of Power (2000)
In 2000, the presidential election between Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore culminated in the Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore. The ruling effectively ended Florida's recount process focused on "hanging chads" and determined the outcome of one of the closest elections in American history. The decision generated intense debate about voting procedures, judicial authority, and democratic legitimacy. Despite deep disappointment among supporters, Gore accepted the result, declaring, “For the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.” The peaceful transfer of power amid profound disagreement demonstrated the resilience of constitutional institutions. The election remains a defining example of how democratic systems manage contested outcomes through law rather than force.

The "250 to 250 Campaign" is sponsored by Linda Savenor in the memory of her late husband, Joseph Savenor.

Charlie Savenor

Address

New York, NY

Telephone

+19172092211

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Civic Spirit posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Civic Spirit:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category