Judicial
Chief Justice
Students role-play as courtroom attorneys and debate timely issues in non-partisan mock trials.
National Forum for Democracy Project
Building the next generation of engaged American citizens.
Our nonpartisan civic education initiative for high school students combines curriculum, media literacy, and real-world civic engagement using digital tools to affect positive change.
Support the Project
Help bring civic education to every classroom, at no cost.
Through the fiscal sponsorship of the Mediators Foundation, your tax-deductible gift directly funds free access to high school classrooms and JROTC programs nationwide.
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Our Mission
Empowering students to participate meaningfully in American democracy.
Through a blend of student-centered, project-based curriculum and real-world civic engagement, students explore current public policy issues, practice civil discourse, and gain a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
They learn to evaluate reliable media sources, consider multiple perspectives, and engage constructively across differences. These are the skills essential to a healthy democracy.
Learn more about our work at ffdusa.org.
The Program
Three forums. Three branches. A national polling project. One nonpartisan curriculum.
Four project-based lesson plans are designed to:
- Strengthen American government, civics, journalism, speech and debate classes through experiential learning and role-playing
- Provide meaningful learning experiences that motivate youth to become better citizen leaders
- Foster respect for all through civil discourse and civic engagement
FLEXIBLE DELIVERY
In-class or virtual. Lesson plans, timelines, assessment rubrics and a Code of Ethics make adoption simple for any educator.
Visit the forum →
Legislative
Capitol Hill
Students role-play as members of the U.S. Senate and House, debate national issues and simulate the passage of laws.
Executive
Head of State
Students role-play as candidates for President and Vice President, or as members of the Press Corps tackling real-time policy questions.
Trusted Nationally
Endorsed by the people who help shape American democracy.
- 3 Former U.S. Senators
- ★ Military leaders including a 4-star general
- 🎓 Academics from leading universities
See endorsements and testimonials.
Our original program, Chief Justice, was adopted nationally by Army JROTC in 2002 and used in 1,700 high schools to support its mission of motivating young people to become better citizens.
Project Director
Bob Aucone
Bob is a veteran educator and curriculum designer with over 30 years of experience teaching high school students and mentoring educators. As the creator of the Chief Justice program, he facilitated more than 1,000 mock trials with his students before Army JROTC adopted the program nationally in 2002.
A long-time leader in integrating technology into civic education, Bob chaired the Technology Department at Novato High School (CA) for 26 years, served as a mentor teacher and Teacher of the Year, and received the national William Soroka Exceptional Leader Award.
Your gift makes civic education accessible to every student.
Join us in equipping the next generation to strengthen American democracy.