Constitution Day: Celebrating one of the most important days in civic education
Each year, Constitution Day, on September 17, celebrates the anniversary of the completion and signing of the United States Constitution, and recognizes the importance of civic education. This makes it one of the most important annual events for Founding Forward. We were joined by many of our chapter leaders, partner organizations, past awardees, League members, leaders, volunteers, and more.
We were especially honored by the presence of many donors, without whom our work would be impossible.
As this was our first Constitution Day as Founding Forward, it was especially fitting to hear one of our teacher participants share the importance of our educational programs. Candelle Richman, a veteran educator whose multidisciplinary approach to history and business inspires her students, provided the keynote address.
Reflecting on Founding Forward’s teacher programs, Ms. Richman said, “provide teachers with the tools to do what we do best: to bring history alive for our students; make it relevant to their lives; offer a space for constructive, civil discourse about hard topics; and demonstrate that we are more alike than we are different, regardless of where we were born.” We invite you to read her full comments.
Watch our Constitution Day celebration, including remarks from John Meko, Founding Forward President, and Jim Dunigan, Board Chair and past Union League President, as well as the keynote address.
Eyes on the US Semiquincentennial
Rounding out an exciting Constitution week, Founding Forward was a proud sponsor of the America250PA National Convening of State and Partners in Philadelphia. America 250PA was established by the Pennsylvania legislature and governor to plan and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Several of our team members attended and were excited to be part of the planning. As you may recall from a previous newsletter, one of this summer’s America250 PA volunteer days was held at our Medal of Honor Grove on July 20.
Help celebrate Archives Month on October 7
This month is American Archives Month and Founding Forward is excited to join Archives Month Philly’s celebrations by highlighting part of our extensive collection, including Civil War-era documents. On October 7, we will host a reception with collections highlights. Come view our current exhibit, A City Divided: The Civil War, Philadelphia & The Union League and enjoy a tour of the historic League House. Register today to join!
Chapters continue to play a key role in our National Awards programs
Founding Forward’s volunteer chapters are the primary nominators for our National Awards program. Our National Awards Program, which began in 1949 through the predecessor organization Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, recognizes exemplary civic achievements by citizens of all walks of life. This year, we received more than 300 submissions and will honor 39 individuals and organizations for their civic achievements and 72 students for their youth essays. In November and February, our chapters will host award ceremonies around the country.
Upcoming Speaker Programs
You can register to attend in person via the links below. Speaker Programs are Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from these insightful authors and thought leaders, in-person at the Union League or online during and after the event. Our programs are streamed virtually on our YouTube channel.
Royal Oak: Kingmaker: A Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue
Discover the historic legacy of Pamela Harriman, Churchill’s daughter-in-law and diplomatic “secret weapon.”
Thursday, October 10
6:00pm reception, 6:30pm program
Civil War Round Table: Mail During the Civil War: Delivered Under fire
How a Civil War postal agent sustained the morale of the Union Army through transporting letters.
Wednesday, October 23
6:00pm reception, 6:30pm program
Liberty Series: The Latest at the Supreme Court
A deep dive into the impact and consequences of the 2023-2024 U.S. Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity, federal authority, and more.
Monday, October 28
6:00pm reception, 6:30pm program
Public Affairs: Artificial Intelligence: Issues & Concerns
Learn from a panel of experts what constitutes true AI, its impact on businesses and what changes it promises to make on society.
Tuesday, November 19
6:00pm reception, 6:30pm program
Many individuals ask how they can participate in Founding Forward’s mission. In addition to attending a speaker program or volunteering your time for programs, you can also sponsor a teacher or student to help make our transformational experience possible for more students and teachers!
Sponsor a student: For $50/month ($600/year), you can send a student to the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. This is only a one-year commitment that can be renewed at your option.
Sponsor a teacher: For $100/month ($1,200/year), you can sponsor a teacher to attend our immersive professional development programs. This is only a one-year commitment that can be renewed at your option.
If fundraising exceeds the needs of our student or teacher programs, these funds will be used by Founding Forward, where they are needed most.
To learn more or start donating, please contact Christyn Moran at moranc@foundingforward.org.