Ohio businesses Foote Printing and BindTech collaborate with Bill of Rights Institute to strengthen civic education in the Buckeye State. 

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Students across the state of Ohio will now have their own copies of America’s founding documents, thanks to the generosity of two businesses in the state. 

Cleveland-based Foote Printing and BindTech, which operates a plant in Macedonia, OH, have donated more than 13,500 pocket-sized constitutions for use in Ohio classrooms.

The companies donated paper, printing, binding, and finishing services as part of the Bill of Rights Institute’s The Power of the Printed Word campaign.

"I believe a good understanding of the United States Constitution is paramount for creating the civic-minded leaders the USA needs now and in the future,” said Foote Printing co-owner Michael
Duhr.

The Bill of Rights Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that teaches civics and history, makes free pocket constitutions available to teachers and students nationwide. In addition to the U.S. Constitution, the portable booklets include other founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. 

Through its The Power of the Printed Word campaign, the Institute asks printing, binding, and graphic finishing companies to donate their time, talent, and services to ensure students in their states can have their own pocket constitutions.

Foote Printing and BindTech rose to the challenge, and now students across the state will have their own personal copies of these valuable documents and learning materials.

"BindTech is honored to partner with the Bill of Rights Institute and Foote Printing on The Power of the Printed Word initiative," said John Helline, CEO of BindTech. "We are happy to support BRI's vital work providing educators with the classroom resources to help students establish a strong foundation in U.S. history, civics, and our founding principles."

"Through this collaboration we aim to foster a deeper commitment to our constitutional democracy among the next generation,” Helline continued. “The printed word holds immense power to educate and enlighten, and BindTech is honored to harness that power alongside BRI for such a worthy cause."

Bill of Rights Institute Director of Corporate Relations Justin Goldstein, a longtime printing and graphic finishing industry veteran, said he was honored but not surprised that Foote Printing and BindTech offered their services to benefit Ohio kids.

“One of the first things you learn about the printing and graphic finishing industries is that these companies are deeply committed to the communities in which they operate,” he said. “We are incredibly grateful that BindTech and Foote Printing stepped up for Ohio students, and we can’t wait to distribute these pocket constitutions throughout the Buckeye State.” 

Ohio teachers can request their pocket constitutions for their classrooms on the Bill of Rights Institute website. 

To learn more about The Power of the Printed Word campaign, visit
https://billofrightsinstitute.org/in-kind-donations.