Welcome to Trust Trends, a Web report highlighting the accomplishments of NCSL's Trust for Representative Democracy.  

The Citizen Video

Join the Citizen on a journey to learn about our republic and the roles and responsibilities of citizens.  This new video is geared for upper elementary students and will be offered as a new resource for legislators visiting classrooms as part of the America’s Legislators Back to School Program. Click here to view The Citizen.

Back to School Talking Points Card

This new “talking points” card provides legislators with tips about talking with students and suggested classroom activities for the Back to School Program. The colorful pocket-size card also lists all the classroom resources available for the program as a quick reference guide for legislators heading into schools.

The American Democracy Game

Through the American Democracy game, you can put yourself in the shoes of a lawmaker and find out what it is like to deal with public policy issues. Discover the different interests on each side of an issue and how negotiation and compromise can lead to a good result. This new online game is designed for middle school students and includes teacher guides and information. Play it today and test your skills.

Kevin B. Harrington Award

The 2012 nominating process for the Kevin B. Harrington Award for Excellence in Democracy Education is now open.

This annual award recognizes an individual or organization that best informs students and the general public of the value and strength of our form of government.  Individual legislators, legislative staff, legislative chambers or entire legislatures are among eligible recipients. Nominations may include other individuals or organizations that effectively promote representative democracy. 

Kevin B. Harrington of Salem, Mass. was the founding president of NCSL in 1975. He was an educator by profession, president of the Massachusetts Senate (1971 - 1978), and a leading advocate of civic education.

Anyone may submit a nomination, including self-nominations. Nomination forms, available online, are due by April 13, 2012.  The award will be presented during the NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago, August 6 – 9, 2012.

The Trust is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, under the Education for Democracy Act approved by the U.S. Congress, and the Foundation for State Legislatures.