The National Forum for Democracy Project is a nonpartisan, Constitution-based civic education initiative designed to help high school students develop the knowledge, skills and habits necessary to participate meaningfully in American democracy.

Our program combines civic education, media literacy and civic-tech tools to create an interactive learning experience that can be implemented in classrooms or accessed online. Students analyze timely national issues using curated, nonpartisan media sources, then participate in structured discussions, debates, and decision-making processes grounded in evidence and respectful dialogue. 

Our lesson plans include three core forums aligned with the three branches of government, and an optional service-learning component.

• JUDICIAL: In Chief Justice, students role play as courtroom attorneys and debate timely issues role-play as courtroom attorneys and debate timely issues in non-partisan mock trials
  

• LEGISLATIVE: In Capitol Hill, students role-play as members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, debate timely national issues, and simulate the passage of laws in a non-partisan format.
  

• EXECUTIVE: In Head of State, students to role-play as candidates for President and Vice President of the United States or as members of the Press Corps, and explore critical-thinking questions focused on real-time national public policy issues. 

National Polling Project

In addition to classroom learning, students (age 13+) and voting-age citizens can participate in the FFD National Polling Project, a civic engagement initiative that allows individuals to cast weekly votes on current public policy questions.

Participants can:

• Engage with balanced, fact-based issue briefings

• Cast informed votes on national topics

• Contribute to a broader understanding of public sentiment

This optional service-learning component also enables students to build leadership and communication skills by engaging their communities in civic participation.

Curriculum & Flexibility

The project includes student-centered, project-based lesson plans for high school civics, government, journalism and debate courses.

• Modular design aligned with the three branches of government

• Optional service-learning component

• Flexible implementation (in-class or virtual)

• Includes lesson plans, timelines and assessment rubrics

• Guided by a Code of Ethics for civil discourse

Educators may adapt and implement the program based on their classroom needs.

Access & Expansion

Through the fiscal sponsorship of the Mediators Foundation, we are working to secure philanthropic support so that we may offer this program at no cost to high school classrooms and JROTC programs nationwide. Our goal is to significantly expand access to high-quality civic education while strengthening both civic and media literacy at scale.

Privacy & Student Safety

We are committed to protecting student privacy and maintaining a safe learning environment.

• Full compliance with COPPA

• No users under age 13 permitted

• Minimal student data collection (first name and last initial only for minors)

• No sharing of personal data

Track Record & Reach

Our original program, Chief Justice, was adopted nationally by Army JROTC in 2002 and used in 1,700 high schools to support JROTC’s guiding mission to motivate young people to become better citizens. Building on this foundation, the National Forum for Democracy Project expands the model to address today’s most pressing civic challenges through technology, media literacy and participatory learning.

The program has received endorsements from:

• Three former U.S. Senators

• Military leadership including one four-star general

• Academics from leading universities

We are proud to be affiliated with national civic initiatives and coalitions working to strengthen democracy through education.

Project Director Bio:

Bob Aucone 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 Justiceprogram, Bob facilitated more than 1,000 mock trials with his high school students before Army JROTC adopted the program nationally for their cadets in 2002. 

A long-time leader in integrating technology into civic education, Bob was chair of the Technology Department at Novato High School in California for 26 years, a mentor teacher, Teacher of the Year, and was the recipient of the national William Soroka Exceptional Leader Award.