The Kennedy Center and NaliniKIDS Partnership
The Power of Collaboration: Blending the Arts, Movement, and Civics
In 2025, The Kennedy Center partnered with NaliniKIDS to produce the movement-focused Ideals of John F. Kennedy series. The videos and teaching guides spotlight GRATITUDE, FREEDOM, COURAGE, JUSTICE, and SERVICE.
John F. Kennedy was deeply committed to civics and public service. As President (from 1961 to 1963), he emphasized the importance of civic responsibility, active participation in democracy, and the need for citizens to engage in community and national issues. Kennedy believed that a strong democracy depended on an informed and involved population, and he often spoke about the duty of citizens to contribute to the common good. His speeches and initiatives reflected a dedication to fostering civic engagement, education, and leadership among Americans.
He famously called on Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." JFK also emphasized the importance of civil rights and the need for all citizens to have equal opportunities. He saw the arts as an important part of the equation.
NaliniKIDS also provides a CIVICS collection that includes OOPA’s World of Words episodes focusing on the following topics:
- What is DEMOCRACY?
- What is a VOTE?
- What is a CITIZEN?
- What is a COMMUNITY?
- What makes a good LEADER?
- The power of a VOICE.
- What is a CONVERSATION?
- What is COMPROMISE?
If you find yourself in Washington DC, we hope you will stop by for a performance or just to take in the breathtaking views from The Kennedy Center’s rooftop terrace. Visit the Moonshot Studio to engage in hands-on activities related to Kennedy Center Education programming and themes. Or at the very least, explore the JFK Art and Ideals interactive exhibit where you can learn more about JFK’s vision for making the world a better place.
Watch the Trailer
Head back to the main page to view the other videos in the series!
The Vice President of Education is generously endowed by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Genesis Inspiration Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.