U.S. Office of Citizenship Gives Libraries Free Civics and Citizenship Toolkit

By Laura K. Galos -- Críticas, 7/15/2007

The U.S. Office of Citizenship (USOC), head of a multi-agency Federal Task Force on New Americans, announced in June its new Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, created specially to aid public libraries in their immigrant outreach efforts. Packed in a sturdy portfolio box, the Toolkit contains a Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants booklet in English and Spanish; civics flash cards; a booklet of short, comprehensive civics lessons; and a pocket-sized copy of the Citizen’s Almanac, including text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A multimedia 2-disc DVD and Flash presentation is also provided as an introduction to U.S. history and an overview of the naturalization process.

As the number of naturalizations in the United States steadily rises, libraries continue to play a key role in providing information to new immigrants, especially for the many who are settling in communities which have limited experience with immigrant populations. For librarians looking to provide services for and involve new immigrants, a thin report on library services for immigrants is also included in the Toolkit. The report details the results of a working group made up of representatives from public libraries, educators working with English language learners, and immigrant community-based organizations. It offers brief descriptions highlighting workshops, collections, outreach, and other services that have been successfully provided by libraries across the nation.

In addition, a web-based training module for educators is scheduled to be launched in October with course materials covering the U.S. government, the naturalization process, and civics. Eight regional training conferences for instructors will begin concurrently, touching on the same subjects, for educators looking to improve and expand their teaching abilities. The first three training conferences will be held in Raleigh, NC, Miami, FL, and Las Vegas, NV.

To register for a free Toolkit, go to www.citizenshiptoolkit.gov; additional copies are available for $49.95 from the U.S. Government Printing Office Bookstore.