LWV of Montgomery County Trending Topics
Civic Education from Three Perspectives
Join the League of Women Voters virtually on March 11, 7-8:30 PM on the status of civic education in these challenging times. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
• How is civic education being taught and assessed in Montgomery County Public Schools grades K-12? What effect does the Blueprint on Education have on civic education teaching?
• How is one community organization, The Civic Circle, using music and art to teach civic education? Where are these programs impacting Montgomery County students?
• What are current best practices in civic education, and how can civic education be incorporated into other subject areas?
Genie Massey, Program Coordinator for the Maryland Civic Education Coalition and LWV member, will moderate the session. Our three speakers include:
Tracy Oliver-Gary, Supervisor, Pre-K through Grade 12 Social Studies, MCPS
Eliza Newlin Carney, Founder and President, The Civic Circle
Sarah McGrew, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership in the University of Maryland’s College of Education
Empowering a Nation of Student Civic Leaders
Do you value engaged neighbors, constitutional literacy, and civic leadership?
Join Maryland Public Television (MPT) and the Maryland Civic Education Coalition online to explore the critical role of civic education in today’s society. In PBS Retro Report’s Citizen Nation, teenagers across America face off in the nation’s premier civics competition, We the People. Culminating in a championship showdown in the nation’s capital, high school students with diverse personal and political backgrounds grapple with critical questions about democracy. On Monday, March 10 at 7 PM, participants will watch parts of Citizen Nation and engage with expert panelists about how civic learning strengthens democracy.
This is a virtual event centering Maryland voices.
Participants interested in strengthening civics may join from any of the 50 states and U.S. territories.
2025 Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit
The Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit brings together individuals who share a deep commitment to advancing civic engagement, meaningful service-learning, and policy solutions in Maryland. Through highly interactive plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and breakout workshops, the summit connects a diverse group of participants—including students, educators, curriculum experts, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and business professionals—who are passionate about strengthening civic education across the state.
This year, a key focus of the summit will be advocating for the Maryland Seal of Civic Excellence Program, an initiative aimed at recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding civic knowledge, skills, and engagement. Together, this committed group will explore what’s already “working” in Maryland, celebrate how our state leads in civic learning, and identify new strategies to overcome barriers, close opportunity gaps, and expand civic engagement opportunities through education and service-learning—this year and beyond.
Join us Monday, February 17 at 2 PM at St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD.
REGISTER: bit.ly/2025MDCivicsSummit
June Coalition Meeting
Join us for our monthly MDCEC Coalition meeting on the third Thursday of the month!
Members and friends are always welcome at our monthly Zoom meeting.
Our various working groups will present their ongoing activities and provide opportunities for you to get involved. Members and friends are welcome to share upcoming opportunities related to civic education and youth engagement.
Check your email for the current Zoom link or email genie@mdcivics.org for assistance.
Youth Advisory Council Meeting
Meet online with the student members of the Coalition!
YAC Members, check your email for the Calendar Invitation with Zoom link.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a platform for students from across Maryland to participate in service and leadership activities. Together, they advocate for increased civic education and engagement opportunities through events like the Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, Constitution Day events, and meetings with policy-makers. The members of YAC serve as advisors to our Coalition working groups, providing insight to support our mission to ensure that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities.
Government Relations Working Group Meeting
Get involved in our advocacy campaign as we work to strengthen civics in Maryland
This working group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at noon to plan our advocacy efforts. During the fall, we are drafting potential bill language, meeting with lawmakers to build relationships, and planning our advocacy campaign for #MDGA24. Join the group to collaborate on strengthening civic education and service learning through systemic change.
Contact Andrew Wilkes: awilkes@generationcitizen.org
Education Working Group
Get to know the Education Working Group!
The Education Working Group works to connect public and private school teachers, higher education faculty and staff, and civic organizations in Maryland. The group strives to plan events that align to the vision of the MD-CEC and build bridges between schools, students, and organizations supporting civic learning.
Contact Eve Case for the meeting link: ecase@aacps.edu
Membership Working Group
Join in our efforts to build new connections with community members and organizations across Maryland!
The Membership Working Group is focused on growing and sustaining the membership of the Coalition. Through their monthly meetings, internal and external outreach, and review of applications of potential members, the Membership Working Group collaborates to increase membership among a diverse and representative group of Marylanders who support our cause and mission.
Contact Lena Morreale Scott for the link: LScott12@umd.edu.
Save the Date
Announcing the 4th Annual Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit
Empowering Youth to Shape the Future of Democracy
In Person at Crofton High School on April 20th
As we prepare for this groundbreaking summit, we're seeking proposals that spotlight youth engagement within the electoral process and the broader democratic sphere. Whether you're a high school student making strides in civic engagement, an educator fostering a culture of democracy in your classroom, or an organization dedicated to amplifying youth voices in community spaces, we encourage you to share your insights and innovations.
We aim to curate a diverse program of workshops, presentations, and discussions that not only inspire but also equip our attendees with practical strategies for increasing youth participation in democracy.
Apply to Present
Youth Advisory Council Meeting
Meet online with the student members of the Coalition!
YAC Members, check your email for the Calendar Invitation with Zoom link.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a platform for students from across Maryland to participate in service and leadership activities. Together, they advocate for increased civic education and engagement opportunities through events like the Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, Constitution Day events, and meetings with policy-makers. The members of YAC serve as advisors to our Coalition working groups, providing insight to support our mission to ensure that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities.
Membership Working Group
Join in our efforts to build new connections with community members and organizations across Maryland!
The Membership Working Group is focused on growing and sustaining the membership of the Coalition. Through their monthly meetings, internal and external outreach, and review of applications of potential members, the Membership Working Group collaborates to increase membership among a diverse and representative group of Marylanders who support our cause and mission.
Contact Lena Morreale Scott for the link: LScott12@umd.edu.
March Coalition Meeting
Join us for our monthly MDCEC Coalition meeting on the third Thursday of the month!
Members and friends are always welcome at our monthly Zoom meeting.
Our various working groups will present their ongoing activities and provide opportunities for you to get involved. Members and friends are welcome to share upcoming opportunities related to civic education and youth engagement.
Check your email for the current Zoom link or email genie@mdcivics.org for assistance.
Youth Advisory Council Meeting
Meet online with the student members of the Coalition!
YAC Members, check your email for the Calendar Invitation with Zoom link.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a platform for students from across Maryland to participate in service and leadership activities. Together, they advocate for increased civic education and engagement opportunities through events like the Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, Constitution Day events, and meetings with policy-makers. The members of YAC serve as advisors to our Coalition working groups, providing insight to support our mission to ensure that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities.
Advocacy Training
Join in our advocacy efforts before the General Assembly Session ends in April!
Join this online training to connect, learn, and build a plan to strengthen civic education and service learning in Maryland. The Government Relations Working Group will provide an overview of the legislative process in Maryland and an update on our plans for #MDGA24. In addition, learn how to craft an effective personal message to carry to policy-makers in your community about the importance of civics!
RSVP Here
Civic Learning Week Webinar
Community Roots: Embracing Civic Learning with Community Partners
Join our dynamic panel for K-12 teachers, where we harness diverse perspectives and tools to elevate civics education. Explore engaging workshops and resources designed to foster active citizenship and community-driven learning. From legal insights to music-infused lessons, we'll equip you with the skills to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.
Register today and attend online on March 13 to be eligible for prizes!
Learn more about Civic Learning Week and join in virtual and in-person events across the country!
Government Relations Working Group Meeting
Get involved in our advocacy campaign as we work to strengthen civics in Maryland
This working group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at noon to plan our advocacy efforts. During the fall, we are drafting potential bill language, meeting with lawmakers to build relationships, and planning our advocacy campaign for #MDGA24. Join the group to collaborate on strengthening civic education and service learning through systemic change.
Contact Andrew Wilkes: awilkes@generationcitizen.org
Civic Learning Week National Forum
Civic Learning Week National Forum
Civic Learning Week 2024 gets into full swing with a live event at George Washington University in Washington, DC. The program will feature champions for civic learning and encourage a national dialogue about how civic education can serve as a unifying force in 2024 and beyond.
George Washington University Media & Public Affairs Building (AM Location) and University Student Center (PM Location)
Learn More
Education Working Group
Get to know the Education Working Group!
The Education Working Group works to connect public and private school teachers, higher education faculty and staff, and civic organizations in Maryland. The group strives to plan events that align to the vision of the MD-CEC and build bridges between schools, students, and organizations supporting civic learning.
Contact Eve Case for the meeting link: ecase@aacps.edu
Membership Working Group
Join in our efforts to build new connections with community members and organizations across Maryland!
The Membership Working Group is focused on growing and sustaining the membership of the Coalition. Through their monthly meetings, internal and external outreach, and review of applications of potential members, the Membership Working Group collaborates to increase membership among a diverse and representative group of Marylanders who support our cause and mission.
Contact Lena Morreale Scott for the link: LScott12@umd.edu.
Youth Advisory Council Meeting
Meet online with the student members of the Coalition!
YAC Members, check your email for the Calendar Invitation with Zoom link.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a platform for students from across Maryland to participate in service and leadership activities. Together, they advocate for increased civic education and engagement opportunities through events like the Maryland Civic Education & Engagement Leadership Summit, Constitution Day events, and meetings with policy-makers. The members of YAC serve as advisors to our Coalition working groups, providing insight to support our mission to ensure that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities.
Lobby Night for Civics
Lobby Night for Civics - Feb 19 in Annapolis
We're rallying our supporters for Lobby Night for Civics on February 19th in Annapolis. Beginning with a Team Meeting at St. John’s College at 3:00 PM, we will have advice and materials for all advocates. At 3:45 PM, we will fan out in teams to connect with lawmakers. This is a prime opportunity to voice our support for the Seal of Civic Excellence Bill and other crucial legislation concerning youth and elections.
Tell us you are interested in coming.
Advocacy Training
Advocacy Training
Join this online training to connect, learn, and build a plan to strengthen civic education and service learning in Maryland. The Government Relations Working Group will provide an overview of the legislative process in Maryland and an update on our bills’ progress #MDGA24.
In addition, learn how to craft an effective personal message to carry to policy-makers in your community about the importance of civics!
Sign up
February Coalition Meeting
Join us for our monthly MDCEC Coalition meeting on the third Thursday of the month!
Members and friends are always welcome at our monthly Zoom meeting.
Our various working groups will present their ongoing activities and provide opportunities for you to get involved. Members and friends are welcome to share upcoming opportunities related to civic education and youth engagement.
Check your email for the current Zoom link or email genie@mdcivics.org for assistance.
Government Relations Working Group Meeting
Get involved in our advocacy campaign as we work to strengthen civics in Maryland
This working group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at noon to plan our advocacy efforts. During the fall, we are drafting potential bill language, meeting with lawmakers to build relationships, and planning our advocacy campaign for #MDGA24. Join the group to collaborate on strengthening civic education and service learning through systemic change.
Contact Andrew Wilkes: awilkes@generationcitizen.org
Education Working Group
Get to know the Education Working Group!
The Education Working Group works to connect public and private school teachers, higher education faculty and staff, and civic organizations in Maryland. The group strives to plan events that align to the vision of the MD-CEC and build bridges between schools, students, and organizations supporting civic learning.
Contact Eve Case for the meeting link: ecase@aacps.edu
Advocacy Training
Ready, Set, Go!
The General Assembly opens its 2024 session on January 10 and the pace of the legislative process in Maryland is FAST!
Join this online training to connect, learn, and build a plan to strengthen civic education and service learning in Maryland. The Government Relations Working Group will provide an overview of the legislative process in Maryland and an update on our plans for #MDGA24. In addition, learn how to craft an effective personal message to carry to policy-makers in your community about the importance of civics!
RSVP Here
January Coalition Meeting
Join us for our monthly MDCEC Coalition meeting on the third Thursday of the month!
Members and friends are always welcome at our monthly Zoom meeting.
Our various working groups will present their ongoing activities and provide opportunities for you to get involved. Members and friends are welcome to share upcoming opportunities related to civic education and youth engagement.
Check your email for the current Zoom link or email genie@mdcivics.org for assistance.
Advocacy Training
The General Assembly Session Starts January 10th!
Join this online training to connect, learn, and build a plan to strengthen civic education and service learning in Maryland. The Government Relations Working Group will provide an overview of the legislative process in Maryland and an update on our plans for #MDGA24. In addition, learn how to craft an effective personal message to carry to policy-makers in your community about the importance of civics!
RSVP Here
Education Working Group
Get to know the Education Working Group!
The Education Working Group works to connect public and private school teachers, higher education faculty and staff, and civic organizations in Maryland. The group strives to plan events that align to the vision of the MD-CEC and build bridges between schools, students, and organizations supporting civic learning.
Contact Eve Case for the meeting link: ecase@aacps.edu
