Focus:
The Civics Education Committee promotes and supports civics education, critical thinking and civility.
Current Priorities:
2020 Matters. Our priorities in 2020 are to educate people about the issues and the importance of their vote. We will work with other League groups to ensure that voters are educated, registered and realize the importance of their vote.
Chair:
Christene Campbell-Gabor – christene.lwvpbc@gmail.com, 561-271-4648
Co-Vice Chairs:
Nikki Descoteaux – nikkidescoteaux@gmail.com, 508-360-7070 and Lori Dool – loridool@gmail.com, 716-628-6211
Civics Education Committee Mission — Civics. Civility. Critical Thinking.
The Civics Education Committee provides reliable nonpartisan information on elections and public policy issues to a diverse PBC population, using innovative educational approaches. Everything we do encourages citizens to be educated voters who realize the importance of their vote, the value of critical thinking, and the need to treat others with respect. Our focus is Education, Voter Registration, Getting voters to the polls.
Top Three Priorities for 2020
- Provide reliable information on elections and public policy issues to a diverse PBC population by creating innovative educational approaches; developing voter education ideas; and working with PBC schools, LWV, and other organizations on Civics Education programs, competitions, and events.
- Work toward diversity and inclusion for people of all ages and backgrounds to encourage them to be actively involved in Civics Education activities.
- Lobby LWV Florida to ensure that Civics Education becomes a key issue statewide.
Top Three Accomplishments in 2019
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- Created, printed, and distributed 4 MINI Crossword Puzzle Booklets. Series 1: 100 questions from the U.S. Citizenship Exam; Series 2: questions about local elections in Palm Beach County; Series 3: questions from Grade 7 textbook; Series 4: Notable American Women.
- Created and presented a series of five PowerPoint of five (5) interactive presentations that are fun, interesting and educational to help educate people on the importance of their role in government.
1. Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Power
In 1776, only 10% of Americans had the right to vote. Learn the history of expanding voting rights and the important benefits to those who turn out and vote. This presentation also walks you through the ways you can register and vote, including registering online, Vote-By-Mail, Early Voting and more.
2. The Three Branches of the U.S. Government
Understanding how the three branches of government work and their role in our lives is important, especially for those who think that voting in local elections doesn’t matter. This presentation explains the impact of each branch on the lives of all citizens.
3. Civics, Civility and Critical Thinking:
Find out how federal, state and local governments work; the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship; critical thinking and how to evaluate the credibility of information sources; and skills for engaging in conversations with people who do not share your view. Emphasizes respect, tolerance and civility.
4. Importance of the US Courts
The federal court system impacts every issue we care about. This wonderfully interactive PowerPoint explains how the federal court system is organized, the types of cases federal courts hear and how cases are decided. As part of the presentation, audience members form teams to judge a case that was actually decided by a U.S. District Court.
5. Civics Trivia
A favorite for all who have participated. The civics trivia quiz is a series of questions that are suitable to people of all ages. The kids love it! Using MINI crossword series 1, questions from the U.S. Citizenship test, or questions from previous presentations participants get to tell us what they know. Prizes are an added bonus if you decide to provide this presentation.
- Created a series of Critical Thinking worksheets that stress civics, civility and critical thinking. All worksheets, which are two-sided, provide an opportunity to discuss a controversial subject. The front side is for the participant to complete on their own, the back is a group discussion of the answers on the front with the goal of educating participants and stressing the need for critical thinking and civility.
“WOW! This is amazing! The crosswords are going to be such a powerful tool come time for our EOC (End of Course) Civics assessment in May. It’s a fun interactive teaching tool that every student will benefit from.” – Sari Simpson