Advancing Democracy and Civic Engagement Through English Upskilling
Democracy, as the saying goes, is a verb – and Independence Day is a moment to recommit to actively engaging in our democracy, ensuring that it reflects, includes, and serves all Americans, both U.S.-born and New Americans.
Robust civic engagement – from volunteering to voting, from community service to public service – is foundational to ensuring our democracy fulfills its promise. In the face of immense economic and political challenges, our democracy needs active participants to bring fresh ideas and a revitalizing energy to our national dialogue.
More new citizens, growing civic engagement
There’s good news: New Americans are participating in our democracy at record levels.
Nearly 1 million qualified immigrants and refugees completed requirements to become naturalized citizens in 2022, the third-highest level on record, according to PEW Research. There’s a timely opportunity to engage this new generation of citizens in developing more vibrant, representative democratic processes – and to ensure that others can follow their paths.
When immigrants and refugees are civically engaged, everyone benefits. Naturalized citizens earn between 50 and 70 percent more than noncitizens and have higher employment rates, according to the Migration Policy Institute. And beyond citizenship, communities with high levels of civic participation – including activities like volunteering, national service, and community groups – have lower levels of crime, better health outcomes, and stronger social cohesion.
English upskilling to build a more representative democracy
At EnGen, we’re working to ensure that English is not a barrier to civic engagement. Among the 125-plus pathways offered on our personalized, mobile-first platform are courses focused on social integration, civic engagement, and naturalization. Course content connects learners with both the English skills and civics-focused content needed to more deeply engage in their communities:
Social Integration for Newcomers: Daily Interactions
This course focuses on the English vocabulary and skills needed to do essential tasks in everyday life as a newcomer living in the United States. Learners will improve social skills, learn about U.S. systems and culture, and get tools to navigate their new communities.
Naturalization and Civic Engagement
This course presents learners with the requirements and process to become a U.S. citizen from start to finish. Learners will go through each step, form, and requirement in the naturalization process and walk through a typical naturalization interview.
U.S. Citizenship: Preparing for the Civics Test
In this course, learners who qualify for citizenship will prepare to take the civics test required for naturalization in the United States of America.
Hope for the future of civic engagement
Supporting the inclusion of New Americans in our democracy is a critical step in ensuring that all Americans can have a voice in our civic discourse. This Independence Day, EnGen is recommitting to building a vibrant, representative democracy that reflects and serves everyone in the U.S.
Learn more about our civic engagement and U.S. citizenship pathways by requesting a live demo: https://getengen.com/demo