Civic Experiences

When I was a student at MHS in the 1970's (wow - that makes me sound old! Oh wait, I am!!) my Civics teacher was a big proponent of giving back to your community. I firmly believe in this as well. Since I started teaching at MHS in 1998, my students have volunteered approximately 37,000 hours for various local community events such as the Bok Kai Festival, the Veteran's Day Parade, the Christmas Parade, and other events like the Fishing Derby and Coastal Clean-Up. They have volunteered to donate blood and they have volunteered to help local elementary school carnivals and festivals as well. Sometimes they volunteer to help an elderly neighbor or relative fix things up around their homes and yards. My students have written hundreds of letters to local politicians and to the President of the United States with their ideas and concerns. They have gone on police and fire department ride-a-longs to see what our first responders really do. As you can see, this is a big deal for me.

DUE TO COVID-19, CIVIC EXPERIENCES WILL NOT BE REQUIRED FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR.

CIVIC EXPERIENCE

GUIDELINES

MR. WHITE

1. Guest Speakers: You may invite an elected official, candidate, newsmaker, expert, or special interest group representative from our community to speak to the class, or you may interview them.

A. An interview requires at least ten well prepared questions that are okayed by the teacher in advance. The answers must be written down and your opinions stated. Your interview must be turned in with the signature and phone number of the person interviewed.

B. If you are inviting a speaker to the class, at least one week’s advance notice is required. You must set up the time and make sure that the speaker knows the topic he/she will discuss. You must introduce the speaker to the class. To finish the experience you must write a thank you note to the speaker and have the class sign it. The experience is finished when the note is mailed.

2. Visiting a government agency: This may include any of the following activities.

A. Working on a political campaign for four hours is another way to complete a Civic Experience. You must have the campaign manager’s signature, phone number, and the hours worked. They must be included in your one page report on the experience.

B. Police Ride-a-Longs are another option. You must spend four hours and complete a one page report by the Wednesday following your ride-a-long. Include the name of the officer that you rode with. A thank you note to the officer is required for completion of the experience.

C. Going to a public meeting (school board, city council, board of supervisors) for four hours also qualifies as a Civic Experience. You must have an agenda from the meeting and complete a written report including your opinion of what went on at the meeting. See Mr. White for times, dates, and locations of the different meetings.

D. Participating in any kind of community service project for a total of four hours is (in my opinion) the most rewarding of the Civic Experiences. Look for existing volunteer agencies in the phone book or I will be glad to suggest opportunities. A one page report summarizing the experience is required for completion along with the name and phone number of your supervisor.

3. Letters to elected representatives: You may write a letter to any of the following elected political representatives.

A. President of the United States: Donald Trump (R)

B. United States Senators: Diane Feinstein (D) or Kamala Harris (D)

C. United States Representative: John Garamendi (D)

D. Governor of California: Gavin Newsom (D)

E. California State Senator: Jim Nielsen (R)

F. California State Assemblyman: James Gallagher (R)

G. Any member of the Yuba County Board of Supervisors

H. Any member of the Marysville City Council

I. Any other elected or appointed state officials

You can write a letter concerning any local, state, national, or world issue. You must research your topic, write at least one rough draft, and type out 2 final drafts. The rough draft is due at least one week before one of the Civics Experience due dates. You will receive credit when the typed letter is placed in an addressed envelope (I will supply the envelope and the stamp). The letter must demonstrate quality work. Remember, you are representing yourself, Mr. White, and MHS.

4. Letters to the Editor: You may write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper that concerns any issue that deals with Civics. Try to keep a local flavor to your letter.

The address is: Editor, Appeal-Democrat

PO Box 431

Marysville, Ca. 95901

The letter may also be faxed to: 741-0140

The letter may also be emailed to the editor at: appealdemocrat.com.

The same rules apply as if you were writing to an elected representative. You must include your name, complete address, and telephone number. These are required to verify the authenticity of the letter. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.

If you have any questions about any of the above items please do not hesitate to see me. If you want to do something that is not listed just ask. 99% of the time I will say OK.