About This Course
Beyond the Ballot is a civic education program designed to help Black communities understand how government systems actually work and how those systems shape everyday life.
The program centers on practical civic literacy, leadership development, and community empowerment. It is designed to move participants from political frustration or disengagement toward informed action, collective strategy, and sustainable power-building.
What You Will Learn
- How city, county, state, and federal governments actually function — and who really holds power
- Where public money goes and how budget decisions affect your neighborhood
- How to identify key officials, attend public meetings, and make your voice count
- The history of Black civic power and how to build it today
- Practical organizing strategies for building a local civic team
Course Structure
This course is organized into 6 modules with 4 lessons each (24 lessons total), plus module quizzes to reinforce your learning.
Who This Course Is For
Any member of a Black community who wants to understand the systems that shape everyday life — and wants to do something about it. No prior political experience required.
Course Content
1.1 – Who Runs the City?
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1.2 – Where the Money Goes
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1.3 – How Decisions Are Really Made
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2.1 – Who Controls Schools?
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2.2 – Following Education Dollars
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2.3 – Why Black Families Must Watch Boards
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2.4 – Organizing Parents Into Power
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3.1 – What Counties Control
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3.2 – Why County Politics Matter to Black Communities
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3.3 – Key County Officials
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3.4 – County-Level Organizing
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4.1 – Laws That Touch Daily Life
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4.2 – Who Runs the State?
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4.3 – Why Black Communities Must Organize Statewide
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4.4 – Building Statewide Coalitions
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5.1 – Federal Basics: The Three Branches
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5.2 – How Federal Policy Impacts Black Life
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5.3 – Why Presidential Elections Aren’t Enough
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5.4 – Organizing Beyond Election Day
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