Sandra Day O'Connor Institute

Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor following her retirement from the U.S.

Supreme Court, our nonpartisan nonprofit continues her distinguished legacy to advance multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.

On this day in 1831, an enslaved preacher named Nat Turner led an uprising in Southampton County, Virginia — an event th...
08/21/2026

On this day in 1831, an enslaved preacher named Nat Turner led an uprising in Southampton County, Virginia — an event that reshaped Southern law for decades afterward. We put together a long-form piece on what happened and on the one surviving firsthand account that historians still debate. For the history nerds among you: CivicsforLife.org/moretolearn

Looking for a meaningful extracurricular that won't cost a thing or require a single trip anywhere?O'Connor Institute Am...
08/20/2026

Looking for a meaningful extracurricular that won't cost a thing or require a single trip anywhere?

O'Connor Institute Ambassadors is a free, online program that brings high school students together each month to discuss real issues and build civic confidence — from wherever they are.

No fees. No travel. Just real conversations that matter.

Know a student who'd be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post.

Learn more: oconnorinstitute.org/ambassadors/

Some of the most influential Americans never held public office—but they changed history all the same.This week's clues:...
08/19/2026

Some of the most influential Americans never held public office—but they changed history all the same.

This week's clues:
• I built a fortune during the California Gold Rush.
• I secretly supported one of the most famous abolitionist efforts in American history.
• I successfully challenged racial segregation on San Francisco's streetcars.
• Historians often call me the "mother of California's civil rights movement."
• I deliberately kept much of my early life a mystery.

Who am I?

Share your guess in the comments, then visit CivicsForLife.org/MoreToLearn to discover the remarkable story behind one of the most influential women of the nineteenth century.

Our Civics for Life Community App members aren't just taking quizzes — they're building a habit. Daily questions, "On Th...
08/18/2026

Our Civics for Life Community App members aren't just taking quizzes — they're building a habit. Daily questions, "On This Day" discoveries, and history articles that turn into dinner-table conversations.
We're growing every week on the road to 10,000 members by September 25. If you haven't joined yet, now's a great time.
👉 civicsforlife.org/community

Civic curiosity starts with understanding how government actually works — and where you fit into it."Our children should...
08/17/2026

Civic curiosity starts with understanding how government actually works — and where you fit into it.

"Our children should learn the general framework of their government and then they should know where they come in contact with the government, where it touches their daily lives and where their influence is exerted on the government. It must not be a distant thing, someone else’s business, but they must see how every cog in the wheel of a democracy is important and bears its share of responsibility for the smooth running of the entire machine." — Eleanor Roosevelt

This week, look into how a local decision actually gets made, or find one place where your voice — a vote, a comment, a conversation — can shape what happens next.

Find ideas, resources, and opportunities to keep learning at OConnorInstitute.org and CivicsForLife.org.

What do students nationwide agree on?The answer might surprise you.Through the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors, high scho...
08/14/2026

What do students nationwide agree on?

The answer might surprise you.

Through the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors, high school students from across the country come together each month to discuss real issues, listen to different perspectives, and explore what it means to be an engaged citizen.

These conversations help students build confidence, strengthen their civic knowledge, and connect with peers beyond their own communities.

Join students from across the country and become part of the conversation.

Learn more today:
oconnorinstitute.org/ambassadors/

Teachers and homeschool families have enough on their plates without having to reinvent every lesson.That's why the Sand...
08/13/2026

Teachers and homeschool families have enough on their plates without having to reinvent every lesson.

That's why the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute has created a growing collection of free civics and history resources designed to save planning time while helping students engage more deeply with our nation's history and civic life.

Whether you're looking for:
📚 Primary-source-based classroom resources
🎙️ History podcasts that bring the past to life
🗣️ A free extracurricular Civics & Debate Club for students
👩‍🏫 A Teachers' Lounge where educators can share ideas
📊 Research that helps explain today's civic issues
..we've built these resources for you—and every one of them is free.

If even one resource saves you an hour this month, we've accomplished our goal.

Explore everything available today: oconnorinstitute.org | civicsforlife.org

Tomorrow's conversation could shape how you think about one of today's most important civic issues.Artificial intelligen...
08/12/2026

Tomorrow's conversation could shape how you think about one of today's most important civic issues.

Artificial intelligence is influencing decisions across public life—but how should citizens participate as those changes continue?

Join us tomorrow for Virtual Public Square: AI Is Shaping Public Life. Who Gets a Say?

Bring your questions and join a thoughtful, nonpartisan discussion about technology, public trust, and civic engagement.

📅 Thursday, August 13
🕙 10:00 a.m. PDT | 1:00 p.m. EDT

There's still time to register:
https://bit.ly/4wBlRAG

45 days from today, we hit two milestones at once: the 45th anniversary of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's historic sweari...
08/11/2026

45 days from today, we hit two milestones at once: the 45th anniversary of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's historic swearing-in to the Supreme Court, and our app's first birthday.
We're currently 9,000+ members strong. Our goal is 10,000 by September 25 — help us get there in her honor.
Invite a friend, a family member, a coworker. Every new member counts.
👉 civicsforlife.org/community
An initiative of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life—but how often do we stop to ask who should have a voice in the...
08/10/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life—but how often do we stop to ask who should have a voice in the decisions it influences?

From education and employment to public services and the information we consume, AI is shaping civic life in new ways. As these technologies continue to evolve, informed citizens have an important role to play in the conversation.

Join the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for our next Virtual Public Square as we explore technology, public trust, and meaningful civic participation in the age of AI.

📅 Thursday, August 13
🕙 10:00 a.m. PDT | 1:00 p.m. EDT

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4wBlRAG

Address

Phoenix, AZ
85004

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(602) 730-3300

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