By Stephanie R. South, TDC National Coordinator

In less than a month, The Democracy Commitment will join the rest of the United States in commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787.

Although educational institutions in the United States that receive federal funding must observe Constitution Day, the real reason we celebrate it is the memorialization of our inalienable rights. What was penned in this document has been fought for and protected by courageous men and women decade after decade, and it has inspired countries around the world to form similar documents and manifestations.

This is a day to take pause and remember all of this.

And this post is a reminder that Constitution Day is coming up on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

If you need a little inspiration and want to read what some of your TDC colleagues did last year, check out this blog entry on Community College of Allegheny County (Pa.) or this one on Sinclair Community College (Ohio).

If you are in need of resources, please visit the American Democracy Project’s webpage on this Special Day in Action.

And finally, if you already know what you are doing, I would love to hear about it. Please take just a moment to fill out this short survey about your plans. With this information, I intend to create a summary of Constitution Day activities and events that I can share with all TDC member campuses on the national blog and on our webpage. Your response will be an invaluable contribution.