About Us

Our story

Why We Started

In 2022, less than 25% of eighth-grade students were proficient in civics nationwide. At our own school, we surveyed 362 students and found that 79% could not name their congressional representatives. These aren't just statistics — they represent a generation that's being asked to participate in democracy without ever being taught how it works.

We couldn't wait for someone else to fix it. So we built Fig Tree Forum.

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Our mission

To teach youth across Califronia how democracy actually works with hands on, age appropiate civic edcaution before disengagement becomes the default.

Our vision

A generation that understands how democracy works, believes their voice matters, and knows how to use it. No matter their school or zip code, every student grows up engaged and ready to take part in their community.

Our Approach to Civic Education

We swapped the lectures and slideshows for workshops students actually enjoy and remember.

Age-Tailored Curriculum

Lesson plans built for 1st–3rd, 4th–6th, and 7th-8th graders so every student leanrs the materials at their level.

Building Connections

Our workshops encourage students to participate in their own communities, turning learning into action.

Hands-On Learning

From mock legislatures to district-drawing activities, our workshops make civics tangible, not textbook.

Civics in Action

Our community impact at a glance

Trusted by many

Honest words from people who we've worked with.

"It was informative and presented in a fun, engaging way. The students were all engaged, and I enjoyed it as well. The team members were very knowledgeable, which was truly impressive."

Cindy Shihab

AYC Program Manager

“The presenters were well prepared and curated lessons that were interactive and engaged the students. The students really enjoyed it and were asking when they would have another workshop.”

Janette

Tutor at AYC

"City planning, career exploration, and interactive activities kept students fully engaged. The presenters were enthusiastic and connected with the content in a way that captured students’ attention."

Helen

Lead Tutor at AYC

"I thought it t was very fun and interactive. The students really enjoyed it."

Daniel

Tutor at AYC

"My son came home talking about the bill he 'passed' in class like it was the biggest news of the year. I've never seen him this excited about an activity."

Fatima Khan

Parent of Rayan

"I run a lot of workshops through outside organizations, and this is the first one where kids stayed engaged the entire time. No small feat with a room of sixth graders."

Jessica Martinez

School Program Coordinator

Three students. One mission. A generation to reach.

Why We Started

Our mission

Our vision

We swapped the lectures and slideshows for workshops students actually enjoy and remember.

Age-Tailored Curriculum

Building Connections

Hands-On Learning

Our community impact at a glance

350+ Students Reached

$1000+ Fundraised

10+ Community Partnerships

$0 — Cost to Participants

Honest words from people who we've worked with.

The students behind the mission.

We'd love to work with you.