Junior American Citizens Award

The Junior American Citizens Committee (JAC) is DAR's second oldest youth-oriented committee, preceded only by the Children of the American Revolution. Students have participated in JAC since October 1901. The original objectives of this committee were: 'To instill good citizenship in the youth of all races, creeds and economic backgrounds, by teaching loyalty to the United States of America, giving practical ideas for service to home, community, school, and country; thus encouraging a deeper sense of social responsibility and increasing interest in the study of Civics, Social Studies and the History of the U.S.A." Reaching out to students in grades K-12 across America, the committee fosters the idea that the rights and responsibilities of citizenship can, and should, be taught from an early age.

The JAC Contest is open to all students in preschool through high school, students in public, private, and parochial schools as well as in sanctioned homestudy programs, including those students who may be physically or mentally challenged or in gifted/talented programs.  Youth groups may also participate. This contest is conducted without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin. Any school, organization, or person can participate in the JAC Contest using the materials provided free of charge, under the sponsorship of the local DAR chapter. There is no cost to participants.

For more information about the JAC Contest, contact the DAR at (202) 628-1776.

DAR Good Citizens

This committee was created in 1934 as the DAR Good Citizenship Pilgrimage, because the state winners, senior girls from four-year high schools, received a trip to Washington, DC. In 1952 the name was changed to DAR Good Citizens Committee and monetary awards were presented to winners.

This committee recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Each award is given on a merit basis including completion of a questionnaire, essay, scholastic record, and a letter of recommendation. United States citizenship is not required. National awards for the first, second, and third-place winners include scholarships to the school of their choice.

For more information about the DAR Good Citizens Award, contact the DAR at (202) 628-1776.

As many as 44 million adults in this country cannot read at levels necessary to succeed in today's society. The NSDAR Literacy Promotion Committee was established in 1989 to meet the needs of the increasing number of illiterate individuals. As a result of this mission, DAR members across the country are meeting the challenge and helping those with significant literacy needs to learn to read, to gain self respect and confidence, and to reach life goals that otherwise would not be obtainable.