Some American citizens are walking the walk—literally!—when it comes to demonstrating their commitment to citizenship and civic engagement.

Diane Eckstein, her husband John, and their dog Kipp are about to embark on a cross-country journey on behalf of Citizenship Counts, an organization working to promote civic education and awareness of the naturalization process.

On January 27, they will begin a coast-to-coast journey by walking and biking 3,500 miles to promote engaged citizenship. Kipp will have a dog-blog to tell his story, and the Ecksteins will join him in chronicling the experience along the way. The are inspired to do so by the life story of Holocaust survivor Gerda Klein, and subsequently, her work with Citizenship Counts, which she founded as her way of giving back to the country that saved her life and enabled her to build a future.

Their Journey will begin at San Diego High School on January 27, 2012 and will travel through the following major cities: Tucson, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Las Cruces, NM; El Paso, TX; Austin, TX; College Station, TX; Dallas, TX; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; New Bremen, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; and New York City. Those interested in hosting an event should contact Melanie Reilly.

Throughout the Journey, Citizenship Counts will partner with middle and high schools in communities across the country, where students will use the Citizenship Counts curriculum to learn about how immigration has created a diverse and inclusive United States. Students will also learn about the naturalization process, through which newcomers enter the U.S. citizenry. Finally, the curriculum will inspire students to participate in service to their communities and strive to be responsible citizens for the rest of their lives. Diane and John will author a blog that students and other interested citizens will use as a tool to learn about the history and geography of our country and about the vital contributions of immigrants who have become citizens throughout our history. As the culmination of the educational program, students will participate in naturalization ceremonies or other celebrations of citizenship and civic engagement at their schools or alternative community venues. Along with community members, elected officials, and other stakeholders, John, Diane, and Kipp will attend each ceremony. Citizenship Counts Founder Gerda Klein will attend and deliver the keynote address at several of the ceremonies.

The Ecksteins will cover all personal travel-related expenses. Any and all donations will directly support Citizenship Counts' efforts to create an interactive educational experience that encourages students to celebrate citizenship and engage in their communities.

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