Thank You for Being a Partner
Thank you for helping us bring more thoughtful, respectful dialogue to one of the most important conversations happening in education today. This toolkit provides everything you need to help spread the word about our upcoming national conversation.
Table of Contents
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About this Event
Patriotism is one of those words that seems straightforward—until people begin talking about it.
Today, educators, parents, lawmakers, and communities are engaged in an ongoing conversation about whether public schools should play a role in shaping students' sense of patriotism.
In February 2025, members of Congress introduced the Promoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act, legislation that would require federally funded schools to display the American flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and provide instruction on the history and significance of the flag. Supporters argue these measures promote civic responsibility and national unity, while others raise questions about free expression, historical complexity, and the distinction between civic education and indoctrination.
This event creates space for a thoughtful conversation—not a debate—where Americans with diverse perspectives can explore these questions together.
Event Details
Event: Patriotism in Schools: A National Conversation
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time:
• 7:00 PM Eastern
• 6:00 PM Central
• 5:00 PM Mountain
• 4:00 PM Pacific
Format: Live Virtual Event
Hosted by: Courageous Conversations About Our Schools & Braver Angels
Topic: What Place Does Patriotism Have in Schools?
Cost: Free
Important Links:
Discussion Topics
Participants will explore questions including:
When you hear the word patriotism, what does it mean to you personally? Where did that understanding come from? Has your view changed over time? How, if at all, does patriotism differ from nationalism?
What role, if any, should public schools play in shaping students’ sense of patriotism? What’s the risk if schools don’t address patriotism? What’s the risk if they do? How do we distinguish between healthy socialization and indoctrination?
Who Should Attend?
We welcome educators, students, parents, school board members, administrators, policymakers, journalists, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in strengthening civic dialogue.
Key Messages
When promoting the event, we encourage emphasizing the following themes:
• Civil dialogue across differences
• Curiosity over confrontation
• Listening before persuading
• Diverse viewpoints are intentionally included
• Respectful discussion of difficult issues
• Free national virtual event
Please consider supporting the event by:
• Including the event in newsletters
• Inviting colleagues and partners
• Posting on social media and sharing the registration link with your community
• Inviting colleagues and partners
• Encouraging qualified individuals to apply as panelists
Ways You Can Help Spread the Word
Newsletter Copy
Subject: Join a National Conversation on Patriotism in America's Schools
What role, if any, should public schools play in shaping students’ sense of patriotism?
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Courageous Conversations About Our Schools and Braver Angels will host Patriotism in Schools: A National Conversation, a live online event exploring patriotism, nationalism, civic responsibility, dissent, and the risks of both teaching and avoiding this subject in schools.
This event is designed as a thoughtful conversation, not a debate. Participants will hear from people with different perspectives and backgrounds as they consider what patriotism means and how schools should approach one of the most sensitive civic questions of our time.
Register today and, if interested, apply to serve as a panelist.
Copy This Newsletter Blurb.
Then send to your email list.
Subject: Join a National Conversation on Patriotism in America's Schools
What role, if any, should public schools play in shaping students’ sense of patriotism?
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Courageous Conversations About Our Schools and Braver Angels will host Patriotism in Schools: A National Conversation, a live online event exploring patriotism, nationalism, civic responsibility, dissent, and the risks of both teaching and avoiding this subject in schools.
This event is designed as a thoughtful conversation, not a debate. Participants will hear from people with different perspectives and backgrounds as they consider what patriotism means and how schools should approach one of the most sensitive civic questions of our time.
Register today and, if interested, apply to serve as a panelist.
Post on Social Media
Use or adapt these captions for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, or X.
Sample LinkedIn / Facebook Post
What should students learn about patriotism?
On Monday, August 17, 2026, @CourageousConversationsAboutOurSchools and @BraverAngels are hosting Patriotism in Schools: A National Conversation, a live online event about patriotism, nationalism, civic responsibility, dissent, and the role of public schools.
This conversation will bring together people with different perspectives, not to win an argument, but to understand the issue more deeply.
https://www.schoolconversations.org/patriotism-in-schools
Sample Instagram Caption
What role should schools play in helping young people understand patriotism?
Patriotism in Schools: A National Conversation is a live online event hosted by @school_convo and @braverangels on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 pm PT.
The conversation will explore patriotism, nationalism, civic responsibility, honest history, dissent, and the role of public education in a divided country.
Register through the link in their bio ➡️ @school_convo
Sample X Post
Should schools teach patriotism? Join a national conversation exploring civic education, patriotism, and respectful dialogue across differing viewpoints. https://www.schoolconversations.org/patriotism-in-schools @school_convo @braverangels @AllSidesNow @prohuman_org @LivingRoomConvo @TheDignityIndex @ListenFirstProj
Download Graphics
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Courageous Conversations logo
Braver Angels Logo
Contact
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Ken Futernick, Founder & Host at ken@courageousconversations.org
Thank you for helping us expand thoughtful dialogue and encourage respectful conversations across our communities.