The objective of this one-year program is to help students develop competencies to exert influence in public affairs. Seven competencies, such as communication and social skills, are considered fundamental to an education in citizenship and civic responsibility. The program could be initiated at either the 11th or 12th grade, and includes the disciplines of English and social studies. Team-teaching is suggested. The six components of the program are: (1) a political-legal process course; (2) a communications course; (3) community service internship; (4) a citizen action project; (5) an action in literature course; (6) and a public message course. Field work, a vital part of the program, includes working for political candidates and for community organizations. Detailed explanations of the six components, evaluation methods, and techniques for winning community support are outlined in separate chapters. Addresses of publishers and distributors of relevant materials are listed in the appendix. (KC)