What is Civic Learning Week?
Massachusetts Civic Learning Week aims to build broader awareness of and support for civic learning; amplify and celebrate youth voice; and empower participants to envision themselves as changemakers in our democracy. The week’s programs, events, and activities are hosted and organized by the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) in partnership with teachers and students from across the Commonwealth. See current schedule of events here. Please note that all programming is virtual this year. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in Civic Learning Week events, including students, teachers, administrators, policymakers, parents, and the general public.
Why are we organizing Civic Learning Week?
There is a civic education crisis in our nation. For far too long, civic education has failed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need in order to participate in our democracy. Nationwide, Massachusetts is at the forefront of civic education reform. In 2018, Massachusetts passed An Act to Promote and Enhance Civic Engagement, which requires that all students in Massachusetts take a civics course and complete a student-led civics project in order to graduate. That same year, the state revised its History and Social Science Curriculum Framework for the first time since 2003 to incorporate a renewed emphasis on civic education. Civic Learning Week builds on and contributes to the state’s efforts to improve civic education in Massachusetts.
We are looking for collaborators! Host programming for Civic Learning Week (DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 4/9/21)
If you are interested in organizing programming for Civic Learning Week, please fill out this form and/or contact apao@generationcitizen.org for further information. If you are a teacher, we invite you to organize an event around a topic you’re passionate about! Students are also invited to organize events and should name an adult advisor in the event form. We will be able to offer a small stipend to teachers and students hosting events.
What kinds of events will be part of Civic Learning Week?
Here are a few examples of events we hope to include in our week of programming. However, we are open to creative new suggestions for ways to bring together students, teachers, parents, and community members. If you are proposing an event, feel free to take inspiration from the list below or design something completely different!
Event for district administrators about the new civics standards and law
Event for legislators featuring our legislative champions and student voices
Event about student-led action civics projects
Civics related trivia night
Youth led panel discussion on a key issue of interest to them
Speaker or panel of inspiring changemakers
Museum event on “The Challenges of Visualizing Equality”
Museum virtual tour on Stories of Changemakers advancing Justice
“So you want to be a podcaster?” How to make a podcast that shares youth voice on big questions that we face as a society
Guest speaker or panelists of civic activists, legal / judicial professionals, and advocacy experts
Facilitate a debate - hearing multiple perspectives on pressing issues
Want to attend Civic Learning Week events? Stay in the know.
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