Español

The Democracy Schools of Utah™ (DSU) Program builds leadership skills in immigrant and refugee communities through a series of sessions aimed at empowering participants so that they can mobilize themselves around issues that affect them. The program consists of two phases: the Democracy Schools Curriculum and Civic Engagement Activities.

The Curriculum

The Democracy Schools Curriculum was designed by the Center for Community Change in Washington DC. Communities United is the organization pioneering this program in the State of Utah.

The curriculum is not only focused on informing the community about the different aspects of the democratic system in the United States but also provides participants with the necessary tools to make a change to the benefit of their families and their communities as a whole. The curriculum is comprised of seven sections ranging from U.S. immigration history and gaining citizenship to civics, community organizing and fighting for immigrant and refugee rights. The curriculum allows individuals to tailor the classes to the needs of their communities. 

The curriculum is taught by Certified Volunteer Trainers representing different ethnic groups, cultures, and languages. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Trainer, please click here (link coming soon).

To view an outline of the Democracy Schools of Utah™ Curriculum please click here.

Civic Engagement Activities

The Democracy Schools Program provides an opportunity for participants to fully engage in the democratic/legislative process at the local, state, and federal level.

Democracy Schools graduates are invited to be part of different civic engagement activities organized throughout the year. The purpose of these activities is to provide hands-on experience on how the government works, put community organizing into practice, and make our voices heard. These activities include letter writing campaigns, legislative visits, phone trees, petition signing, etc.

To view a current calendar of our civic engagement activities please click here (link coming soon).

For more information about the Democracy Schools of Utah™ program, please contact Mayra Cedano. Program brochure is available in English and Spanish.