Social Studies Web Resources
Global/World Organizations
The International Foundation for Election Systems
IFES is a nonprofit democracy development organization that works to give people a voice in the way that they are governed. Formerly the International Foundation for Election Systems, IFES is the world's premiere election assistance organization, providing countries with the technical advice and tools they need to run democratic elections.
The United Nations
The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends.
National Organizations
General
National Council for the Social Studies
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies.
Smithsonian Institution
The world's largest museum complex and research organization composed of 16 museums and the National Zoo in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and 2 museums in New York City.
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.
Civics/Government
United States Institute of Peace
The United States Institute of Peace is an independent nonpartisan, national institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase peacebuilding capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide. The Institute does this by empowering others with knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as by directly engaging in peace building efforts around the globe.
Center for Civic Education
The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational corporation dedicated to promoting and enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.
American Political Science Association
The American Political Science Association, founded in 1903, is the leading professional organization for the study of political science and serves more than 15,000 members in over 80 countries. With a range of programs and services for individuals, departments and institutions, APSA brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors within and outside academe in order to expand awareness and understanding of politics.
Economics
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and its branch offices provide economic education opportunities to teachers, students, and others through a variety of programs and outreach efforts.
Jump $tart Financial Smarts for Students
Jump$tart is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the financial literacy of kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, research, standards and educational resources. Jump$start strives to prepare youth for life-long successful financial decision-making.
National Center on Education and the Economy
The National Center on Education and the Economy was created in 1988 to analyze the implications of changes in the international economy for American education, formulate an agenda for American education based on that analysis and seek wherever possible to accomplish that agenda through policy change and development of the resources educators would need to carry it out.
Geography
National Geographic Society
Since 1888, we've travelled the Earth, sharing its amazing stories with each new generation. The Society's Mission Programs support critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork; encourage geography education for students; promote natural and cultural conservation; and inspire audiences through new media, vibrant exhibitions, and live events. Witness the mission in action, and get involved today!
History
National Council for History Education
The National Council for History Education is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the importance of history in schools and society.
National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.