Civics and Citizenship Toolkit Contents

The Civics and Citizenship Toolkit contains a variety of educational materials designed to help permanent residents learn more about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process. Each of the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit’s materials is designed as a self-study resource for immigrants or instruction tool for volunteers and adult educators to use in a classroom setting.

The Civics and Citizenship Toolkit is the perfect resource to help your organization begin or enhance a collection for immigrants. Whether placed in a public area or used in a classroom setting, the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit provides a wealth of information for the immigrant community.

The Toolkit is a sturdy cardboard portfolio-style box with a handle. It measures 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" and is 1 7/8" in depth.

Products and Publications included in the Toolkit:

Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants

A comprehensive guide for new permanent residents. Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants contains practical information to help immigrants settle into everyday life in the United States, as well as basic civics information that introduces new immigrants to the U.S. system of government.

Bienvenidos a los Estados Unidos de América: Guía para inmigrantes nuevos

Spanish language version of the comprehensive guide for new permanent residents,Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants.

Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test

One hundred (100) 4.25 x 7 in. flash cards which contain the questions and answers for the new naturalization test. The Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test will help immigrants learn about U.S. history and government while preparing for the new naturalization test. These flash cards can also be used in the classroom as an instructional tool for citizenship preparation.

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the New Naturalization Test

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the New Naturalization Test contains short lessons based on each of the U.S. history and government questions on the new naturalization test. With the additional information provided in the Quick Civics Lessons, immigrants learn more about important concepts in American history and government as they prepare for the naturalization test. An audio CD designed to help immigrants prepare for the naturalization interview accompanies the booklet.

The Citizen’s Almanac & Pocket size Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States

The Citizen’s Almanac is a collection of America’s most cherished symbols of freedom and liberty, serving as a modern day lifeline to the rich civic history we all share as Americans. The publication includes information on the history behind many of America’s most patriotic anthems and symbols, the creation of our most important founding documents, biographical details on several prominent foreign-born Americans, and important presidential and historic speeches. A pocket size version of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States accompanies The Citizen’s Almanac.

Civics and Citizenship Multimedia Presentation (2-Disc Set)

The Civics and Citizenship Multimedia Presentation is a two-disc set containing the DVD presentation A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants and the Flash^® presentation, Becoming a U.S. Citizen: An Overview of the Naturalization Process. These two products offer an engaging and informative overview of U.S. history and government, the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, and the naturalization process. Descriptions of the individual products are below.

▪ A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants | DVD

A Promise of Freedom is an inspiring short film for immigrant audiences based on the National Constitution Center’s award-winning presentation Freedom Rising. This 12-minute film focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. The role of immigration in U.S. history is highlighted throughout the film. Accompanying the DVD is a discussion booklet that aims to encourage discussion and review the basic concepts of American democracy outlined in the film. A Promise of Freedom is an excellent way to begin a session on immigration or citizenship.

▪ Becoming a U.S. Citizen: An Overview of the Naturalization Process | Flash^® Presentation

Becoming a U.S. Citizen: An Overview of the Naturalization Process is a 10-minute Flash^® presentation designed for immigrants who are new to the United States. This short multimedia presentation provides a general overview of the naturalization process including where to find immigration information and the general requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship.

Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices

Developed as a result of a 2004 working group with public libraries, community-based organizations, and adult educators, this report identifies current practices and offers suggestions for libraries offering services to immigrants. This report offers easy to understand recommendations for strengthening current immigrant programs or beginning a new program.

Suggestions for Using the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit in your program.

▪ Create a special collection for immigrants:

Use Welcome to the United States as a guide to design a special collection of resources for immigrants. Welcome to the United States is organized by topics that are popular with immigrant families such as: rights and responsibilities, housing, employment, education and childcare, English language study, and U.S. citizenship.

▪ Include in your community programming:

Feature the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit on your website, in a community newsletter, in orientation programs, and other outreach activities. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17th), Flag Day, Fourth of July and other patriotic commemorations are great occasions to showcase the products and publications included in the Toolkit.

▪ Include in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Classes:

If your organization offers ESL or citizenship classes, use the Civics Flash Cards, Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons, or The Citizen’s Almanac as teaching and learning tools on U.S. history and government. For example, have students practice for the naturalization test by reading in groups or quizzing one another using the Civics Flash Cards.

▪ Utilize as a promotion tool for your organization:

Promote the available orientation resources for immigrants by contacting community newspapers, foreign language media, or local radio stations. Ask if they will include a short public service announcement (PSA) on the resources that your organization has available for the immigrant community.