CIVICS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Under a relatively new Massachusetts civics education law (An Act to Promote and Enhance Civic Engagement), students are required to participate in a student-led, non-partisan civics project both in eighth grade and in high school.  Our group was established to provide support to the schools and the students and to act as a resource as this law is implemented.  We have been in close contact with Michael Feeney, the Social Studies Department head here in Falmouth.  He has welcomed our interest and also appreciates the materials we are able to provide from a newly-created group within the Massachusetts League, the Massachusetts Civic Education Collaboration Network.

 So far, members of our group have attended student presentations at Falmouth High School, have visited civics programs (somewhat like science fairs) at two locations, and have zoomed into presentations about civics education by various groups.   We hope to establish new ways to support our Falmouth students as they develop their own methods and as they advocate for actions they consider important.  For example, we may showcase some of their projects on our website or present certificates of appreciation to students.  Also, a fellow League has prepared a Student Advocacy Guide and has invited other Leagues to adapt it for local use, an invitation we intend to accept.  As time goes by, we hope to continue to encourage our young people to grow into civic-minded adults who will help sustain our democracy in the years ahead.