The Civic Season — the period of time between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July — is a time to reflect on America’s history while taking action for a better future. Co-created by Made by Us and Civics Unplugged, the Civic Season asks us all to dig into our history and be a part of a national storytelling movement. The website describes the season this way:

“The 4th of July commemorates the moment when a new generation boldly articulated the values of a new nation: freedom, equality, justice, rights and opportunity. Juneteenth, celebrated just a few weeks earlier, reminds us that people in America have fought to make those values a reality over hundreds of years —and we still have work to do.

An annual Civic Season, bookended by these two significant celebrations, mobilizes us all to connect with our past, take action in the present, and shape the future, through activities and events in our neighborhoods, cities, towns and social spaces.”

One way families can connect with the past and mark the Civic Season together begins with talking about historical events and concepts related to the celebration. Talking about the Civic Season can include discussions about Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, as well as the Bill of Rights, Civil Rights and Service to Others.

Start your family’s Civic Season with the conversation starters below! You can also find some great ideas for family-friendly activities on the Civic Season site.