Civic Action Toolkit

This toolkit equips students, especially youth of color and marginalized leaders, with the tools to organize campaigns, launch movements, and mobilize their communities in and beyond the classroom. 

Forums and teach-ins give students a way to create informed, collective dialogue around pressing issues. They’re especially useful for educating your school community, applying public pressure to decision-makers, and building coalitions before escalation (like protests or walkouts)

Pick a Timely Topic
Choose something relevant to your school: censorship, inclusive curriculum, mental health, policing, climate justice. Center what students are already talking about.
 

Secure a Location & Date
Book a classroom, auditorium, gym, or outdoor space. Make sure to get school approval and confirm access to any tech you need.
 

Find Speakers
 

• Student leaders with personal experience
   
• Teachers, counselors, or staff allies
   
• Local organizers or advocacy group representatives
   

Promote
 

• Use Canva to make eye-catching flyers
   
• Post to Instagram and school group chats
   
• Announce through clubs, teachers, and PA systems
   

Structure the Event
 

• Welcome and framing statement
   
• Speaker segments (5–7 minutes each)
   
• Audience Q&A or small-group dialogue
   
• Close with an action step: petition, sign-up sheet, QR code, etc.
   

Document
 

• Record if allowed (clips can be used for social media or media outreach)
   
• Share photos and quotes afterward with student permission
   

When leaders ignore forums and dialogue, peaceful protest puts pressure on power structures and signals seriousness. If you’re walking out or rallying, you must be strategic, safe, and disciplined

Clarify Your Goal
What are you demanding? Be specific: “End book bans,” “Add gender-neutral bathrooms,” “Fund school therapists.”
 

Know Your Rights
 

• Students in public schools can’t be punished more harshly for protesting than for skipping class.
   
• You can hand out flyers and express opinions during non-instructional time.
   
• Know your school’s discipline code. Read the ACLU’s Student Rights Guide.
   

Build a Team
Assign clear roles:
 

• Lead Organizer: coordinates messaging and media
   
• Peacekeepers: keep the protest safe and on track
   
• Spokesperson: communicates with press or school leaders
   
• Sign-Makers: create clear, bold visuals
   

Pick a Strategic Time & Place
Align with key events like school board meetings, legislative votes, or national movements (e.g., National Walkout Day)
 

Create Messaging
 

• Use bold, inclusive slogans (e.g., “Students for Safety,” “Protect All Our Stories”)
   
• Print signs and banners with clear demands
   
• Prepare chants or songs ahead of time
   

Promote It Smartly
 

• Use IG graphics, short video teasers, and countdown posts
   
• Tag local journalists and education orgs
   
• Alert friendly teachers and mentors to monitor safety
   

During the Protest
 

• Begin with a student speech or reading
   
• Stay peaceful and disciplined
   
• Document everything: pictures, videos, quotes
   
• Engage the crowd with chants, call-and-response, and direct addresses
   

After the Action
 

• Debrief as organizers: What worked? What didn’t?
   
• Share media and press coverage
   
• Email administrators or legislators to follow up with your demands
   
• Keep the momentum going through a campaign or new event
   

Registering youth = long-term change

Even if many of your peers aren’t 18, students in Tennessee can pre-register to vote at 16. Organizing a school-based voter drive increases civic education and connects students to local elections

Choose Your Partners
 

• Work with groups like GoVoteTN, League of Women Voters, or Student Voice
   
• Ask for volunteers, printouts, and promo materials
   

Set Up the Drive
 

• Ask admin for permission to set up a table at lunch, assemblies, or sports games
   
• Use iPads or print QR codes to govotetn.gov
   
• Offer candy, stickers, or swag as incentives
   
• Decorate your table with red-white-blue themes or civic slogans
   

Educate, Don’t Preach
 

• Share nonpartisan guides on how voting works
   
• Provide key election dates and deadlines
   
• Respect student choices. Your job is to empower, not persuade
   

Make It Creative
 

• Voter trivia with prizes
   
• Chalk the sidewalks with election reminders
   
• Hold a “Why I Vote” photo campaign