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

Ninety-six (96) 3 x 5 in. flash cards which contain sample U.S. history and government questions and answers. Perfect for individual study or for use in the classroom, the Civics Flash Cards serve as a valuable instruction tool for naturalization test preparation.

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons contains short lessons based on each of the U.S. history and government questions on the current naturalization test. With the additional information provided in the Quick Civics Lessons, immigrants learn more about important concepts in American history and government, moving beyond memorization, 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.

Task Force on New Americans

President George W. Bush established the Task Force on New Americans by Executive Order on June 7, 2006 to strengthen efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in providing immigrants the information they need to embrace the common core of American civic culture, learn English, and fully become American.

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, serves as Chair of the Task Force. Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, serves as the Executive Director of the Task Force. Task Force membership consists of 12 cabinet level departments and a technical working committee of eight additional federal agencies.

Since June 2006, the Task Force on New Americans has been working to develop inter-agency initiatives to help immigrants settle in their new country and maximize the use of federal resources in promoting immigrant integration. As part of the "New Americans Project," the Task Force seeks to provide technical resources to communities and organizations, encourage volunteerism, evelop effective training methods, and conduct targeted research efforts.

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.