GenNation Learning Center

4th Annual YOUTH SUMMIT

2012-02-16T15:26:00.000-05:00

High school students are invited to attend the 4th annual Youth Summit!

This is a great opportunity for you to collaborate, build leadership skills and discuss ways to make a difference on government policies, issues and decisions that impact YOU.

At the summit, teens will meet and collaborate with leaders from other schools and youth programs across the community.

Build leadership skills

Learn about government

Collaborate with other students on a Youth Agenda - which policies and issues do YOU think officials should be working on?

Talk with other teens about ways to connect every high school and youth organization with public officials and decision-makers

Get information about youth involvement for the Charlotte in 2012 DNC convention (non-partisan)

Represent your school, youth program or your interests in community issues (schools, parks, libraries, transportation, environment, safety, budgets and more)

Service hours available

Who's invited?

High school student leaders - both serving in official leadership roles on student council/clubs and emerging leaders who want to make a difference at school and in the community. If you care what happens at your school or in the community, you're a leader.

When and where?

The Youth Summit will be March 6, 6:00-8:30PM at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, room 267.

How do we sign up?

The event is free. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited, and food will be provided.

To register, contact info@generationnation.org or 704-343-6999.

Include: student name, school, email address, phone number and leadership role or interests in local issues.

More information

Download flyer

Youth Voice on Facebook www.facebook.com/youthvoice

On the web http://bit.ly/GNweb_MYV

The Youth Summit is hosted by Youth Voice Leadership Alliance, a student civic leadership program of GenerationNation (formerly Kids Voting), and funded in part through Crossroads Charlotte's Front Porch program and State Farm.

Presidents Day!

2012-02-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Presidents Day is a holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. This year, it is February 20. It is a day when Americans honor the leaders who have served as President of the United States.

At first, the holiday celebrated the birthday of the first President, George Washington. Now, the holiday also celebrates the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, also born in February, as well as the lives and accomplishments of the other Presidents.

Role of the President

The US Constitution defines the President’s role and requirements for taking office. Some of the specifics, such as the date of Election Day, or the number of terms the President can serve, have changed over the years.

The president must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the United States at least 14 years.
Americans vote for president every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. That popular vote chooses delegates to the Electoral College, which elects the President. The President serves for four years, and can be elected to four additional years.
The President wears many hats. The Constitution assigns the president two roles: chief executive of the federal government and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. As Commander in Chief, the president has the authority to send troops into combat, and is the only one who can decide whether to use nuclear weapons.As chief executive, the President enforces laws, treaties, and court rulings; develops federal policies; prepares the national budget; and appoints federal officials. He also approves or vetoes acts of Congress and grants pardons.
The President earns $400,000 each year, plus additional expenses and benefits such as living at the White House.

Learning Opportunities

Use Presidents Day as a civic learning opportunity. Learn about the roles and history of the President and evaluate leadership, communication and political skills. A variety of activities are available. Modify based on your grade level or subject area. For example, you can focus students on the community, North Carolina, the United States or another country. Connect this to history, literature or in a global community.

There are many opportunities for writing, reading, small group discussion and oral presentation. The activity aligns with several core standards. Skills include:

Persuasion
Critical thinking
Analysis
Reading information
Active listening
Writing
Civic literacy
Media literacy
Collaboration
Civic leadership
Local and State Government
Federal Government
Effective communication
Family dialogue
Group discussion
Connecting historic events, personal knowledge, current events or global life

ACTIVITIES

Connecting knowledge

Leaders have roles and responsibilities. Who are the different leaders at your school? City? Country? Are some of their roles similar? Different? Explain what is the same and what is different, and why you think that is.

Family
School
Student Council
School Board
City or town
County
State
United States
Global
Other?

What’s for KIDS?

What does the President do or talk about that is of interest to or affects kids? How much time do you think he spends working on issues that impact kids? Does he spend more or less time on those issues than he does on adult issues? Why do you think that is?

(Some topics could include education, health, environment, safety, etc.)

Write the headline or book title

If you were writing a biography or reporting about the President (pick any President in history, or divide the class into groups), what would your book title or news headline be?

Now, read actual titles or headlines. One easy way to do this is through Google or Amazon.com. You can also view an online Presidential Library or news source.

Were you close? Is your headline or title better? Why?

Sometimes there will be many headlines and titles, with each one saying something completely different (example: George Washington: The Best President Ever! or George Washington: The Worst President Ever!). Why do you think that is?

Communicate effectively

Watch a video of a President, or read a famous speech. How does the President communicate the information? Is he persuasive? How? What do you think is the most effective thing he does to communicate the information? Least effective?

If reading

Does he write clearly?
Are the sentences long or short?
Can you summarize his main points – in a few words, what was the speech about?

If watching

Does he read from a piece of paper?
Does he raise or lower his voice or move his hands to illustrate a specific point?
What emotions and expressions does the President show? Does he look confident?
How is he dressed? Does this matter?

Leadership

What are the roles of the President (past or present)? What are some examples of the President in these roles?

In your opinion, what are the ideal qualities in a leader? Which President(s) demonstrated those qualities?

(Examples: brave, caring, smart, healthy, cooperative, strong, decisive, curious, friendly, honest, hard-working)

What are words that come to mind when you think of a leader? A politician? Are the words the same, or different? Why?

Do you have to be an official “leader”, like the President, to demonstrate those qualities? How can you be a leader in your everyday life? Give examples.

Make your voice heard!

If you were the President, what would you do? Would you change policies? Make things happen? Solve problems? Write a short speech and tell everyone!

Or, role-play a President in history - or a leader in another country - and write your speech from that perspective.

WEB RESOURCES

Download K-12 Civic Learning Opportunity: Presidents Day
State of the Union 2012 http://www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org/2012/01/state-of-union.html
American Presidents (C-SPAN) http://www.americanpresidents.org/
- Portraits http://www.americanpresidents.org/gallery/
- Videos http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/search-results.php?tag%5B%5D=life+portraits
- Gravesites of Presidents and Vice Presidents http://www.americanpresidents.org/grantstomb/index_test.asp#presidents
Presidential Libraries (C-SPAN) http://presidentiallibraries.c-span.org/
Presidents, links by name http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/
George Washington (America’s Library) http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/wash/aa_wash_subj.html
George Washington (PBS) http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/
White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Barack Obama http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama
Rulers of the World http://rulers.org/
History.com http://www.history.com/topics/presidents-day

MORE ACTIVITIES

Kids Voting USA http://www.kidsvotingusa.org/curriculum

President's Hats - Students examine the jobs of the president to discuss components of American democracy. You can also compare various roles with those at the family, school or community level. Use this for a writing or verbal activity.
Wish Tree - Students make wishes for the country regarding changes they would like to see. This is a great writing activity. You can also use this activity on a family, community or similar level as appropriate.
Several other related lessons available. Note: Kids Voting USA activities are provided directly to Charlotte area schools through Kids Voting Mecklenburg, a program of GenerationNation. If your school is in the Charlotte area and you would like a copy emailed to you, contact info@kidsvoting.org. If you are not in Charlotte or want to download from the web, visit www.kidsvotingusa.org/curriculum.

iCivics http://www.icivics.org/subject/executive-branch

Constitutional Rights Foundation http://www.crf-usa.org/presidents-day/presidents-day.html

C-SPAN http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Topics/PRES/The-President.aspx

GenerationNation
View and download this activity on Slideshare

PresidentsDay

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Learning Opportunity: Black History Month

2012-02-07T13:09:00.000-05:00

February is Black History Month

It is a chance to learn about leaders and events important to the history and progress of African-Americans in the United States. One civic learning opportunity related to Black History Month is voting rights. A large part of the civil rights movement was dedicated to establishing voting rights for all Americans.

Background

The Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guaranteed voting rights would not be denied “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude”. It was made official in 1870, after the Civil War.

In some states, African-Americans voted and were elected to local, state and federal offices. In other states, particularly in the South and in other areas, state governments enacted voting laws that required citizens to own property, pay a special tax or pass a literacy test to be eligible to vote. This meant that many people, including poor or uneducated African-Americans, were unable to register to vote.

Over time, civil rights supporters worked to overturn these voting requirements. This was done through activism, protests and other methods of communication and advocacy. The people involved included both famous leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as other private citizens who wanted to make a difference.

In 1965, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. It outlawed the literacy requirements for voter registration. It also provided federal protection to help ensure that voters were given equal opportunity to register and vote.

Learning Opportunities

Use the context of Black History Month to learn and think critically about voting rights. A variety of activities are available. Modify based on your grade level or subject area. For example, you can focus students on the community, North Carolina, the United States or another country. Connect this to history, literature or in a global community. There are many opportunities for writing, reading, small group discussion and oral presentation. The activity aligns with several core standards. Skills include:

Critical thinking
Analysis
Reading
History
Writing
Civic literacy
Media literacy
Collaboration
Civic leadership
Government
Effective communication
Group discussion
Connecting historic events, personal knowledge, current events or global life

ACTIVITIES

Connecting knowledge

Compare and contrast the roles of individuals, leaders and how leaders are selected at different levels from student council to global cities and countries. What are the differences and similarities? Who can make changes? How does it happen?

Student Council
School Board
City or town
County
State
United States
Global
Other?

Write the headline

If you were reporting on civil rights, including voting, what would your headline say?

Search news headlines in history. Were you close? Were they right? Why or why not?

Read headlines about the address from different news sources. What do they say? How are they similar or different? Why?

A good resource is http://www.ipl.org/div/farq/historyFARQ.html, or even Google. Use important dates in the Civil Rights Movement in 1965 including March 7 (March on Selma), March 17 (President Johnson sends Voter Rights Act to Congress), and August 6 (when the Voter Rights Act was signed into law).

Leaders and citizens

Role-play leaders and citizens involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Possible roles:

Famous African-American leader such as Martin Luther King, Jr.
Citizens who want to change voting rights
People who want to vote and are not allowed to register
News reporters from the NY Times, Birmingham (AL) News and a global news source Governor of a Southern State
President of the United States
Egyptians in January 2011 who are researching different civil rights movements

Questions to discuss and think about

How do the leaders demonstrate their leadership? Are they persuasive? Collaborative? How?
How do the citizens get involved? How do they convey that they want to make a difference, not just trouble?
If you are reporting the news, is your coverage different depending on where you live?
What are a state governor’s responsibilities? Does he/she have to work with other governments? Citizens? Leaders? Why or why not?
Why did the President enact the Voting Rights Act? How did he accomplish that task?
If you were working to make a difference this year, would you march and protest? Why or why not? What are some ways you can make an impact on leaders, policies and decisions?

WEB RESOURCES

Download K-12 Civic Learning Opportunity: Black History Month

Voices of Civil Rights (Library of Congress) http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/civilrights/civilrights-home.html

Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution (Library of Congress) http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/15thamendment.html

Reporting Civil Rights: Perspectives from reporters
http://reportingcivilrights.loa.org/

Voting Rights Act (History.com)
http://www.history.com/topics/voting-rights-act

Voting Rights Act (document)
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=old&doc=100

Voting Rights Act (Department of Justice)
http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/intro/intro_b.php

This Day in History
http://www.ipl.org/div/farq/historyFARQ.html

MORE LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES

Kids Voting USA
https://kidsvotingusa.org/curriculum

Grades K-2 Wish Tree: Students make wishes for the country regarding changes they would like to see
Grades 3-5 Non-voter Simulation and Suffrage Timeline: Students explore the concept of voting rights.
Grades 6-8 Part of the Franchise: Students personalize the history of voting rights.
High School 1965 Alabama Literacy Test, Voting Rights Act of 1965: Students experience the injustice of voter discrimination and explore the impact of the Voting Rights Act.

*These lessons are provided directly to Charlotte area schools through Kids Voting Mecklenburg, a program of GenerationNation. If your school is in the Charlotte area and you would like a copy emailed to you, contact info@kidsvoting.org. If you are not in Charlotte or want to download from the web, visit www.kidsvotingusa.org/curriculum.

Constitutional Rights Foundation
http://www.crf-usa.org/black-history-month/

iCivics
http://www.icivics.org/curriculum/civil-rights

C-SPAN
http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Topics/CR/Civil-Rights.aspx

GenerationNation
View and download this activity sheet on Slideshare

BlackHistoryMonth

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Youth Civics: Registration opens February 1

2012-01-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

Taking Civics? Interested in politics, law or service? Want to know how to make a difference on decisions that impact you?

GenerationNation's exciting program, YouthCivics, will have its next session in March and April. Registration begins February 1. Participants attend real government meetings, see the courthouse and meet a judge, find out who the leaders are, where government gets (and spends) its money, explore careers and more.

YouthCivics is ideal for students in Civics & Economics class and others with an interest in government, politics, law and service. The course takes place one evening a week in March and April (does not meet during Spring Break). Sessions will be held at government buildings in downtown Charlotte. Community service hours are available for completing the course, participating in discussions about community issues, and providing important feedback.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited - sign up now! There is a one time $25 fee, which includes dinner, handouts and other materials. Scholarships are available. Schedule, session location and directions and other information will be provided after you register.

To register and ask questions, contact info@kidsvoting.org or 704-343-6999. To register, send your name, school, phone number and email address.Put Youth Civics in the subject line or note it somewhere else in the email. (We are also registering students for other programs at the same time.)

Kids Voting Mecklenburg changes name to GenerationNation

2012-01-19T12:54:00.000-05:00

Kids Voting Mecklenburg changes name to GenerationNation

Kids Voting Mecklenburg, the Charlotte area’s K-12 civics education organization for 20 years, has changed its name to GenerationNation, a reflection of the group’s broad scope of work and vision to expand students’ understanding and interest in government, leadership and community affairs through civics education, civic learning opportunities and civic leadership training.

The selection of GenerationNation follows several years of research, planning, and feedback from hundreds of students, teachers, parents and civic leaders.

“As we began to think about all we have accomplished in our first 20 years, we determined that this was an ideal opportunity for us to look at all aspects of our organization, including our identity, and make some changes to better reflect the services we provide to our students and the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg community,” said Julian H. Wright Jr., chairman of the GenerationNation board of directors and a partner with Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson. “GenerationNation recognizes the broad range of civic education, civic leadership and civic engagement opportunities we provide to K-12 students. Our work extends well beyond mock votes held once a year.”

Launched in 1992 by former Charlotte Observer publisher Rolfe Neill, with other civic leaders, Kids Voting Mecklenburg was initially a way to help students participate in annual mock voting events. Today, the organization connects classroom education with civic learning opportunities to help K-12 students in school, build their civic literacy and develop as effective citizens and leaders.

The change comes at a time when the call for renewed civics education is being stressed at the national level. Last week, at an event launching a national conversation about civics education, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan reinforced the importance of educating students to lead in their schools, communities and nation.

"Today's students are tomorrow's leaders, and giving them a strong foundation in civic values is critical to the vitality of America's democracy and economy in the 21st century," Duncan said. “This call to action is an opportunity to develop and improve civic learning as part of a well-rounded education so every student has a sense of citizenship.”

As a 20-year partner of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and non-public schools in the community, Kids Voting Mecklenburg – now GenerationNation – plays an essential role in building civic literacy, student achievement and leadership from an early age. Civics and history are public school graduation requirements, with civic knowledge woven throughout the K-12 curriculum in social studies, language arts and other subjects.

GenerationNation, a nonpartisan non-profit (501c3) organization, is the home for the programs the community has helped to make a success including the highly successful Kids Voting Mecklenburg election, YouthCivics, Youth Voice Leadership Alliance, K-12 civics and leadership education and a host of civic learning opportunities. Initiatives for 2012 include expansion of youth civic leadership programming, educational opportunities linked to the 2012 conventions, and the use of technology to educate and engage students on leadership, government and civic issues.

“The name GenerationNation truly captures how today’s students want to be more engaged in their schools and communities, and how we can help them develop as leaders who are well on their way to making our community and nation a better place,” Wright said. “Students need to understand how their governments and communities work, and want to know their voice matters, will be heard, and that their opinions can have an effect on the policies, decisions and pressing issues of the day.”

For more information about programs, volunteer opportunities and ways to support K-12 civic education and leadership, visit GenerationNation on the web at www.GenerationNation.org or contact Executive Director Amy Farrell at 704-343-6999 or info@generationnation.org.

Media contacts:

Michael Henry, Wray Ward

704-926-1364

mhenry@wrayward.com

Amy Farrell, GenerationNation

704-343-6999

amy@kidsvoting.org

# # #

State of the Union

2012-01-18T17:57:00.000-05:00

President Obama delivers the State of the Union address in 2011

K-12 Civic Learning Opportunity: The State of the Union

The State of the Union address will be January 24, 2012 at 9:00 PM. It will be televised on major networks and news channels. The text is usually printed the next morning in the newspaper, and the video available online. GenerationNation will post the text and video on its Civic Learning Center, http://www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org/ (also accessible from the main website http://www.generationnation.org/).
[Video and text links will be posted in the Learn More section, below]

Watch how the White House prepares - a view behind the scenes

The address is held at the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. It happens each January, after each year of the President’s 4-year term begins on January 20. It is an annual address presented before a joint session of Congress and held in the House of Representatives Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. The address reports on the nation, and allows the President to outline his legislative agenda and national priorities to Congress and the American public.

Who attends?

Three branches of the federal government: Executive (President and Cabinet), Legislative (Congress) and Judicial (Supreme Court). At least one important official is selected to not attend. This is so that someone is available in the event something bad happens to the many important leaders who will be meeting in one location.

First Lady and Special Guests: often, the President will invite guests who have been newsworthy or who represent a topic he will address. For example, if he plans to talk about education he may invite a teacher. The guests sit in the balcony with the First Lady.

What is discussed?

The President may cover a variety of topics such as:

Afterschool Programs
Children/ Youth
Cities
College
Economy
Environment
Global issues
Government
Graduation rate
Health
Housing
Jobs
Justice
K-12 Education
Leadership
Military
NASA
Political parties
Research
Safety
Taxes
Technology
Terrorism
Working together

Learning opportunity

The State of the Union is a great civic learning opportunity. Students watch or read the State of the Union address and think critically about the speech, its content, how it is communicated and how it is reported.

Fun, educational activities are available from GenerationNation. Teachers and parents can modify based on grade level or subject area. For example, focus students on the community, North Carolina, the United States or another country. Connect this to history, literature or in a global community. Write a headline and compare the headlines from different news sources. Evaluate the President's communication skills.

Students may watch the State of the Union live, watch it in class or read the text. There are many opportunities for writing, reading, small group discussion and oral presentation. The activity aligns with several core standards.

Skills include:

Persuasion
Critical thinking
Analysis
Reading
Active listeninge
Writing
Civic literacy
Media literacy
Collaboration
Civic leadership
Local and State Government
Federal Government
Effective communication
Family dialogue
Group discussion
Connecting historic events, personal knowledge, current events or global life

Learn more

Download State of the Union Activities from GenerationNation http://bit.ly/GN_SOTU12 Includes predicting and evaluating the topics, connecting to government, writing and analyzing news headlines, active listening, communications skills and more

2012 State of the Union Address interaction, text and video http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012

Text of 2011 State of the Union Address http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/25/remarks-president-state-union-address

Video of 2011 State of the Union Address
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/01/25/2011-state-union-address-enhanced-version
YouTube version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZdEmjtF6HE

Text of Opposition Response http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/25/official-gop-state-of-the-union-response-by-rep-paul-ryan/

Video of Opposition Response http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5CcdffQ0Ic

Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_the_Union_address

2010 State of the Union (text and video) http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-state-union-address

The American Presidency Project http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ History of State of the Union Address, copies of speeches, lists of guests, opposition responses and more

Factcheck.org http://www.factcheck.org/ Check out the facts from the State of the Union address and the Opposition Response

CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/ Videos and news from a variety of sources

News media (variety of sources - access links for news headline activity on Activity page)

New York Times Learning - Students, write your response http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/whats-your-response-to-obamas-third-state-of-the-union-address/

View or download K-12 activities below or here:

StateoftheUnion_ K-12LearningOpportunities

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Do you have a dream, too?

2012-01-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) worked to advance civil rights in the United States and around the world. A minister, King became a civil rights activist at an early age. At the 1963 March on Washington, King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, where he outlined his vision, or dream, for our country. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial inequality.

That was MLK's dream. What's yours? Here's an easy and meaningful activity for school or home - a great opportunity for students to envision their “dreams”, think about what makes their dreams a reality, and share this information with others.

Modify this activity based on your grade level or subject area. For example, you can focus students on the community, North Carolina, the United States or another country. They might role-play a character in history, literature or in a global community.

Students of all ages can write about their dream, work in small groups or share with the class. The activity aligns with several core standards.

Skills include: Persuasion, Critical thinking, Analysis, Reading, Active listening, Writing, Civic literacy, Planning, Collaboration, Civic leadership, Effective communication, Government and Connecting historic events, personal knowledge, current events or global life

Do you have a dream?

What does it mean to have a vision, idea, or dream for your country? Can you have a dream for your neighborhood? School? City? State? World?
Think of something that is important to you. Here are some general topics: Animals, Schools, Sports, The environment, Safety, Jobs, Families, Health
Now, think a little harder. What do you see that needs to change about your topic (animals, schools, the environment, etc.)? An example might be that you dream of more trees in Charlotte so that children have air to breathe and birds have places to live. Or, you might want more teachers and textbooks at your school, so you can learn more.
Are there examples of other people who have been working to make a similar dream come true? How did they do it? Did that make them a leader?
Who do you need to talk to, or influence, to make your dream happen? Make a list. It could include community leaders, kids, adults, teachers, parents, school principals, the mayor, school board, city government, state government, news media, President, global leaders or others. As appropriate to the grade level, be specific about the levels of government and your topic area.
How will you communicate your dream? How will their support make a difference?
How long will it take for your dream to become real? Outline the general steps it will take. Sometimes it is helpful to start at the end and work backwards.
Now, think again about your dream – what’s the first step you can take to make it happen? Do it!

Web resources

Download I Have a Dream Activity http://bit.ly/GN_MLK
MLK on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.
Nobel Prize biography http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
MLK Center http://www.thekingcenter.org/
MLK Documents and Research at Stanford University http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/
I Have a Dream Speech (Audio) http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_august_28_1963_i_have_a_dream/
I Have a Dream Speech (Text) http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html
I Have a Dream Speech (Video) http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3992238n
Read how MLK impacts Mallard Creek High School student Jalen Feaster
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/01/02/2894156/he-helps-give-teens-a-voice-in.html

January Primaries

2012-01-09T17:18:00.000-05:00

From Frontloading.blogspot.com

Now that the Iowa Caucus is over, we're on to the presidential primaries! In January, there will be 3 major primaries:

January 10 - New Hampshire
January 21 - South Carolina
January 31 - Florida

These are Republican primaries, important because several presidential candidates are competing for their party's nomination. (Unlike Democratic primaries, where Barack Obama faces no opposition.)

What's a primary?

A primary is the process a political party uses to select its nominee. Primary elections are held, where registered voters select their favorite choices for each office. Some states have a special primary where only the presidential race is on the ballot, and then have a later primary for local and state offices. Other states, such as North Carolina, have one primary election for national, state and local offices.

In a primary election, voters go to voting sites (also called precincts or polling places). These sites are determined by government offices that manage the elections process. (In North Carolina this office is called the Board of Elections.)

The purpose of the primary is not to elect the person who will take office. Instead, voters decide which candidate will represent a political party. That person will run against the opposing political party's candidate in the general election. This year's general election is Tuesday, November 6.

After the voters make their decisions, the votes are counted and reported to the public. Many people work together to make sure that elections are fair and legal.

In a national election, different candidates may win in different states. This process is a little different than it is for a local or state office. For the national presidential election, each state holds a primary. After the primary, a state political party chooses its delegates, or party representatives, for the national political convention. In some states, the winner of the primary wins all of the delegates. In others, the representatives are assigned based on the percentage of votes a candidate won.

The Republican presidential convention will be held in Tampa, Florida in August 2012. The Democratic National Convention will be held here - in Charlotte, North Carolina! - in September 2012. We'll learn more about the convention throughout the year.

Why do states want to have the first primaries?

The earlier primaries often receive a lot of national attention because they are the first chance to see which candidates have widespread support, and which do not. If a candidate can show solid support in the early primaries, this helps with fundraising, endorsements and gaining voters in other states.

Learning opportunity

Read about and watch the news coverage of the January primaries. Some things to watch, think and talk about:

Which candidates are campaigning in NH, SC and Florida? Why might a candidate decide to spend more, or less, time in one state vs another?
How much money have the candidates spent to campaign? Does the amount of money relate to the candidate's popularity? What does a candidate need money to do?
What are the benefits of having an early primary? What are the disadvantages? Are the advantages and disadvantages different for different groups of people - for example, for the candidates? the voters? the media? the states where primaries are held?
Why is the New Hampshire primary the first in the country?
Which issues are important to NH, SC and Florida voters? Are they the same issues that are important to voters in NC and other parts of the country? Why or why not?
Who are the candidates in each election? Where do they stand on issues that matter to you?
In your opinion, which candidate will win/lose the January primaries? Why?
What kinds of impacts do the elections have on the local and state governments? For example, if the candidates and media spend several weeks or months in New Hampshire or South Carolina, do they spend money in cities and towns? Do they buy campaign ads? Do they employ local residents?
If you were creating an ad about one of the candidates, what would it say? Which qualities or positions do you think are most important to emphasize?
If you were a candidate's campaign advisor, what advice would you give him/her about speaking to voters? What kinds of skills and attitudes do the candidates need to have to be persuasive, confident, a good communicator, etc.?
How does the media cover the candidates and the primaries? Does each media organization report the same story the same way? Why or why not?
If you were a voting in this election, how would you prepare to vote?
Predict the headlines immediately before, and after, each primary. Follow the media coverage...were you right?
Does the foreign press cover this story? How is the perspective the same, or different?
How many times in prior elections has the winner of the January primaries been the candidate who the party nominated at the national convention? Won the presidential election?

Learn more

Presidential Primary Calendar http://frontloading.blogspot.com/p/2012-presidential-primary-calendar.html

State of New Hampshire http://www.nh.gov/
New Hampshire Republican Party http://www.nhgop.org/
State of South Carolina http://sc.gov/Pages/default.aspx

South Carolina Republican Party www.scgop.com/
State of Florida http://www.myflorida.com/
Florida Republican Party http://rpof.org/

FactCheck.org http://www.factcheck.org/
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/
CNN http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/
FOX News http://www.foxnews.com/politics/index.html
BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15949569
New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/pages/politics/index.html
Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/public/page/news-politics-campaign.html

Current Presidential Primary Candidates (GOP)
Newt Gingrich www.newt.org
Ron Paul www.ronpaul2012.com
Mitt Romney www.mittromney.com
Rick Santorum www.ricksantorum.com

Social media - Election 2012 on Storify http://storify.com/topics/2012-election

Youth Voice Leadership Alliance

2012-01-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

Talking about tests and teacher performance with CMS leaders

High school students are invited to participate in Youth Voice - Leadership Alliance.

This is YOUR CHANCE to get involved in the issues, policies and decisions that impact children and youth in our community.

Students meet to identify and discuss school and community issues, and have meetings and forums with government leaders.

The youth civic leadership program is a great opportunity for student leaders, and emerging leaders.
Network, learn about government and leadership, and make your voice heard on policies and decisions impacting our schools and community.

***PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND CIVIC LEADERS: You are invited, too! Youth Voice Leadership Alliance wants to partner with you in solving school, community and other government issues impacting children and youth. We're already working with many of you. Contact us to learn more, and connect with Youth Voice on Facebook.***

Who's involved?

All high school students are invited to participate. Represent your school, your youth program or yourself!

2011-12 student leaders are Jalen Feaster (Mallard Creek) and Aidan McConnell (Providence).
Leaders from the city, county, CMS and around the community partner with students and GenerationNation to help youth make a difference in our community.
Youth Voice is a program of GenerationNation (formerly known as Kids Voting Mecklenburg), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that educates K-12 students about government, civic participation and leadership through classroom activities and community learning opportunities. All schools and youth programs are invited to get involved.

In the news:

When and where?

The group meets 2-3 times a month, usually on Tuesday evenings (some meetings with officials on different dates) at the Government Center (600 E 4th Street, 28202).
You can start anytime in the year - it is OK if you did not attend in the fall!

Get involved!

Sign up for the email list for directions, meeting updates and other information
Email list: info@kidsvoting.org
Facebook meeting news, updates and other info: www.facebook.com/youthvoice
Download flyer
General info on the web
Questions: Contact Amy Farrell, info@kidsvoting.org or 704-343-6999
Update: attend the Youth Summit!

Iowa Caucus

2012-01-02T12:58:00.003-05:00

Map Courtesy of Digital-Topo-Maps.com

Though we've been learning a lot about the candidates through debates, interviews and other activities throughout 2011, Election 2012 really begins on January 3rd - the Iowa Caucus.

What's a caucus?

A caucus is one way a political party selects its nominee. Registered voters attend meetings held in locations across the state. Candidates are allowed to make a short speech to encourage people to vote for them. Since the caucus meetings are held at the same time, candidates can't attend each one. They are allowed to have someone else speak on their behalf.

After the voters assemble, get organized and hear from the candidates, it is time to vote by secret ballot. It is a straw poll, meaning the results are not official or subject to the rules of official elections. However, the votes are counted and reported. Each caucus location selects a winner. The results of each caucus in a county are combined at a county convention. County delegates go to the state convention on behalf of the candidates who won in their counties. Eventually, a final candidate is nominated at the state convention, which then determines the delegates for the national convention some time later.

This is different than a political primary, the form of election conducted in most states. In a primary, voters in a a political party cast ballots to determine their party's nominee for elected office. More on primaries soon.

Why is the Iowa Caucus a big deal?

One of the reasons the Iowa Caucus receives a lot of national attention is that it is the first major activity in the presidential election year. Sometimes it helps to make clear which candidates have widespread support, and which do not.

Both parties hold a poll to determine their nominees. In 2012, several Republican candidates are running for office and will participate in the Republican poll. On the Democratic side, President Obama does not face a challenger so a primary is not necessary.

Learning opportunity

Read about and watch the news coverage of the Iowa Caucus. Some things to watch, think and talk about:

Which candidates are campaigning in Iowa? Why might a candidate decide to spend more, or less, time in the state?
How much money have the candidates spent to campaign? Does the amount of money relate to the candidate's popularity? What does a candidate need money to do?
What are the benefits of having a caucus, where the voters can hear directly from the candidates or their campaigns immediately before voting? What are the disadvantages?
Where is Iowa located?
Why is the Iowa election the first in the country?
Which issues are important to Iowa voters? Are they the same issues that are important to voters in NC and other parts of the country? Why or why not?
In your opinion, which candidate will win/lose the Iowa Caucus? Why?
What kinds of impacts do the elections have on the local and state governments? For example, if the candidates and media spend several weeks or months in Iowa, do they spend money in cities and towns? Do they buy campaign ads? Do they employ local residents?
If you were creating an ad about one of the candidates, what would it say? Which qualities or positions do you think are most important to emphasize?
If you were a candidate's campaign advisor, what advice would you give him/her about speaking to voters? What kinds of skills and attitudes do the candidates need to have to be persuasive, confident, a good communicator, etc.?
How does the media cover the candidates and the Iowa Caucus? Does each media organization report the same story the same way? Why or why not?
If you were a voting in this election, how would you prepare to vote?
Predict the headlines on January 4. Follow the media coverage...were you right?
Does the foreign press cover this story? How is the perspective the same, or different?
How many times in prior elections has the winner of the Iowa Caucus been the candidate who the party nominated at the national convention? Won the presidential election?

Learn more

Iowa Republican Party http://iowagop.org/
Iowa Democratic Party http://www.iowademocrats.org/
FactCheck.org http://www.factcheck.org/
Presidential Primary Calendar http://frontloading.blogspot.com/p/2012-presidential-primary-calendar.html
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/
CNN http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/
FOX News http://www.foxnews.com/politics/index.html
BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15949569
New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/pages/politics/index.html
Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/public/page/news-politics-campaign.html
Des Moines Register http://www.desmoinesregister.com/

A special opportunity for high school civics and government teachers

2011-12-16T15:35:00.001-05:00

Engage Your Students in “Real-World” Civics: The Civic Action Project

Start 2012 off right by registering in the upcoming FREE teacher training...

The North Carolina Civic Education Consortium, Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) and GenerationNation (home of Kids Voting Mecklenburg, Youth Civics and Youth Voice) are pleased to offer a rare professional development opportunity for civics and government teachers.

Join us after school on Thursday, February 2 to learn about implementing CRF’s “Civic Action Project” (CAP) curriculum in your civics and government courses. With a focus on policy making, effective citizenship and real world application, this innovative program can assist in making tested material more relevant and engaging for students!

About CAP

The CAP curriculum consists of a series of succinct, interactive, and easy-to-implement policy related lessons plans. Through readings, discussion questions that promote critical thinking, and engaging classroom activities contained in the lessons, students learn how government content applies to policymaking at the local level, how policy is made and can be influenced, as well as strategies for effective citizenship. The CAP curriculum simultaneously leads students through their own civic action project, in which they select a problem or issue in their own community relating to policy, examine and analyze the problem or issue, and consider and implement civic actions to affect change around that issue.

The curriculum is designed to give teachers a practical range of options for taking students through the civic action process, as well as offers teachers planning support, guidance, content, and teacher-tested tips. Most importantly, this curriculum provides students with a chance to apply what they have learned to a real world experience in taking civic action, thus bringing tested civics and governmental concepts to life.

Seats are limited - register today!

Dinner and materials will be provided. Teachers who complete the project will receive CEU and other incentives.

Seats are limited. Register today! To register, contact Amy Farrell with your name, school, email and phone number. We'll provide more information about training location and other details in January. Questions? Call 704-343-6999 or email us.

Educating and engaging students to lead

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

We have exciting news to share as we reflect on Kids Voting Mecklenburg's 20th anniversary of connecting classroom education with civic learning opportunities, and look forward to a new year and bright future.

We've taken considerable time and energy to reflect on our work and assess the future goals and needs of K-12 students: the next generation of leaders. With this milestone, feedback from hundreds of stakeholders, and the proud history that you have helped to establish, we have decided to change our organization's name to GenerationNation.

We'll make an official announcement in January. We wanted to take this opportunity to share this news with you now, and thank you for your continued support.

GenerationNation

Our name is new. What's not changing? Our commitment and vision to educate and engage K-12 students to lead in their schools, communities and nation. We believe GenerationNation reflects the broad scope of our work to expand students' interest, understanding and involvement in government, leadership and civic life. Our programs help students in school, build civic literacy and develop young people as effective citizens and leaders.

GenerationNation will be the home for the programs you have helped to make a success - the Kids Voting Mecklenburg election, YouthCivics, Youth Voice Leadership Alliance, K-12 civic education and a host of civic learning opportunities - and which we hope will grow, along with new initiatives.

Our work is needed more than ever

Without civic literacy, students can't graduate or become effective citizens and leaders. Who's impacted? You. Me. Everyone. Now, and for the future.

Study after study shows that students know less about civics and history than math, English or science. More can name the American Idol judges than the 3 branches of federal government. Across all demographics, students know even less about local and state government.
Civics and history are public school graduation requirements, yet due to education trends, budget cuts and learning opportunity gaps, many of today's K-12 students don't know how their governments and communities work.
At the same time, our political climate is increasingly divisive. Students are watching.

Is this the best we can do to educate the next generation of leaders?

Join GenerationNation to educate students and build leaders

How can you help make a difference? Support GenerationNation, a nonprofit organization that provides the only opportunity for the civic education of K-12 students in our community. Your tax-deductible contribution by December 31 will help GenerationNation kick off 2012, and bright future, with a strong start.

We hope you share our hope and excitement as we take this next step forward together. You'll be hearing more from us soon! In the meantime, please visit www.generationnation.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

****************
Kids Voting Mecklenburg is now GenerationNation. The education-focused nonprofit organization, founded in 1992, changed its name in December 2011 to better reflect the wide range of educational tools and learning opportunities the organization provides, and envisions, to positively impact K-12 students and the Charlotte area. Programs educate and engage students in government, leadership and civic life. Current initiatives of GenerationNation include K-12 civic education and teacher training, Youth Civics, Youth Voice Leadership Alliance, and the Kids Voting Mecklenburg election.

Free to Tweet

2011-12-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

On December 15, students age 14-22 can win one of 22 $5,000 scholarships through “Free to Tweet”.

December 15 is the 220th anniversary of our right to free expression, the First Amendment.Tweet your support for the First Amendment with the hash tag #freetotweet, and which enters students in the "Free to Tweet” scholarship competition. Students are encouraged to freely express themselves in their entries, which can be posted on any publicly viewable social media platform, including blogs.

Learn more: http://1forall.us/freetotweet/

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T16:19:00.001-05:00

Getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving? In addition to giving thanks, use this holiday as an opportunity for civic learning.

Thanksgiving commemorates a feast shared by colonists and Native Americans in Plymouth in 1621. This started a tradition of harvest celebrations that lasted for 2 centuries.
In 1777, the Continental Congress declared the First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving. George Washington, then a war leader (later to be president) declared Thanksgiving to be a victory celebration honoring the defeat of the British.
In 1863 - in the middle of the Civil War - President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday.
In December 1941, President Roosevelt set a fixed date for Thanksgiving - the 4th Thursday in November.

Some questions to think about and discuss:

Why did Thanksgiving start?
Can you think of other situations where two different groups are brought together to share a meal?
Are there similarities between the way Thanksgiving was organized by local leaders and how decisions and policies are made by local leaders in our community?
What are the traditional Thanksgiving foods? Why do we eat different things for Thanksgiving than on another holiday, such as the Fourth of July?
Why was Thanksgiving made official in 1777? Why did George Washington say it was a victory celebration?
Why did President Lincoln declare Thanksgiving as a national holiday? Is it significant that he did it in 1863?
Why did President Roosevelt set the annual date for Thanksgiving? Why was this done in December 1941?
If you were President, would you declare a national holiday? What would it be and why? Write your proclamation, read it out loud and discuss with your family or classroom.
Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving? What is similar or different?
Does Thanksgiving impact the economy? How? Which industries?
Have you attended a Thanksgiving parade or watched one on TV? What are the different kinds of government involved in the parade including planning the parade route and keeping the streets safe?

History of Thanksgiving from History.com

Learn more about Thanksgiving:
Wikipedia
Resources from History.com
Learn about the Mayflower

Thank you teachers, students and community volunteers!

2011-11-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Teachers, parents, students and community volunteers play a big role inusing the election to educate children and youth about government, civicparticipation and decision-making - thank you for helping to make the KidsVoting election program possible each year.

Thousands of students experienced elections at over 60 schools and 80polling places. 500+ teens enjoyed service-learning and gave every student theopportunity to vote!

SERVICE-LEARNING
Student captains and volunteers representing schools including:

Marie G Davis
West Mecklenburg
Harding
Cato Middle College
Myers Park
East Mecklenburg
Rocky River
Butler
Independence
Providence
Vance
Ardrey Kell
North Mecklenburg
South Mecklenburg
Mallard Creek
Olympic
Performance Learning Center
Hough
JM Alexander
Northeast Middle
Randolph
KIPP Charlotte
Providence Day
Covenant Day
Country Day

EARLY VOTING OCTOBER 28-30 AND NOVEMBER 5
(Site and volunteer leader or sponsoring group)

Beatties Ford Library - Delta Debutantes 2012
Independence Regional - Desiree Kindley and friends
Matthews Library - Butler Key Club
Morrison Regional - Maya Fleming and friends
Mt Island Library - Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae
North County Regional - Sarah Kerman and friends
South County Regional - Jack and Jill of South Charlotte
Steele Creek Library - Karishma Desai and friends
University City Regional - Anh Doan and friends
West Boulevard Library - Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae

ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 8
(Site and volunteer leader or sponsoring group)

NORTH MECKLENBURG

North County Regional Library - Sarah Kerman and friends
Bradley Middle School - Danielle Miller and friends
JM Alexander Middle - Morgan Honeycutt/JM Alexander
Hornets Nest Elementary - Victoria Pittman and friends
Huntersville Elementary - Jack Manchester and friends

NORTH CHARLOTTE, NORTHEAST CHARLOTTE, UNIVERSITY CITY

Cole Memorial Methodist - Vance JROTC
Greenville AME - Vance JROTC
Hickory Grove North - Ellington Green and friends
Highland Renaissance - Performance Learning Center
Joseph W Grier Academy - Vance JROTC
Mallard Creek Rec Center - Javon Bennett and friends
Nathaniel Alexander - Vance JROTC
Northridge Middle - Tiffany Carter and friends
Reedy Creek Elementary - Demetris Johnson and friends
Turning Point Academy - Vance JROTC
University City Library - Anh Doan and friends
University City Methodist - Vance JROTC

WEST CHARLOTTE, NORTHWEST CHARLOTTE

Allenbrook Elementary - Alicia Morrison and friends
Coulwood Middle - Karen Summers and friends
Marie G Davis - Marie G Davis Students/Veronica Peeler
McCrory YMCA - Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae
Oaklawn Elementary - Kimberly Wiley and friends
St Marks United Methodist - Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae
Southview Rec Center - Cedric Cook, Boys and Girls Club
Tuckaseegee Elementary - Angel Lennon and friends/West Mecklenburg HS
Wallace Pruitt Rec Center - Wallace Pruitt Rec Center/Blanche Penn
West Charlotte Rec Center - Delta Sigma Theta Debutantes

CENTRAL CHARLOTTE

Covenant Presbyterian - Blaine Sanders and friends
St Johns Baptist - Elizabeth Wright and friends
First Ward Elementary - National Assn of University Women, Charlotte branch
Highland Renaissance - Performance Learning Center

SOUTH CHARLOTTE, SOUTHPARK, MYERS PARK

Christ Episcopal Church - Providence Day
Church at Charlotte - Providence Day
Forest Hills Church- Shauna Rust and friends
Myers Park High School - Polumi Banerjee and friends
Providence United Methodist - Providence Day
Randolph Middle - Randolph Middle School/Karishma Desai
Scottish Rites Masonic - Mereidth Ellis and friends
St Johns Episcopal - Charlotte Country Day Aquilifer
St Paul United Methodist - Kimberly Little and friends
Westminster Presbyterian - Betsy Williamson and friends

SOUTH CHARLOTTE, BALLANTYNE, SOUTHWEST CHARLOTTE,PINEVILLE, SOUTH MECKLENBURG

Aldersgate United Methodist - Sonny Jackson/Aldersgate Cub Scouts
Belle Johnston Center - Dylan Stewart and friends
Candlewyck Baptist- Emily DeZubay and friends
Community House Middle- Ardrey Kell HS/Harsha Pinnamanju
Harrison United Methodist - Aaron Whetstone and friends
Lansdowne Elementary - Providence Day School
Living Savior Lutheran - Boy Scout Troop 165
McKee Rd Elementary - McKee Rd PTA
Olympic High School - Renaissance National Honor Society/Ashley Porven
Providence Presbyterian - Luke Miller and friends
Sardis Presbyterian - Providence Day School
South Mecklenburg HS - South Meck Key Club
St Matthew Catholic - Ardrey Kell HS
St Stephen Methodist - Providence Day School
Waddell Language Academy - Bobbi Nguyen and friends
William Davie Park - Hank Greenberg AZA/Daniel Willenzik

SCHOOLS WITH 100+ STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN ON-CAMPUS LEARNING OPPORTUNITY AND OTHER INVOLVEMENT
(School and teacher leader serving as Kids Voting School Representative)

Albemarle Road – Marie Pacini
Ardrey Kell -Robin Dorfer
Bain – Beth Kerr
Barringer - April Mondanaro
Berewick – Erin Pugh
Bruns Avenue - Sonja Brown
Carmel - Patty Nelson
Chantilly – Steve Knickerbocker
Cornelius – Bethany Davis
Cotswold – Julie Jones
Crestdale –Brenda Thompson
Croft Community - Thai Williams
Crown Point -Lynn Miller
David Cox Rd - Patti Eagleburger
Davidson- Troy Gray
Dilworth - Stephanie Beran
Elizabeth Lane – Emma Juncadella
Elon Park –Lydia Upchurch
Greenway Park - Lisa Milavec
Hawk Ridge –Luci Unferth
Highland Creek- Erin Bullis
Hopewell- David Jensen
Huntersville- Lin McAuley and Stephanie Broyles
Huntingtowne Farms - Tracy Kennedy
Irwin Academic Center – Susan Selby and Dionne Bailey
JM Alexander - Morgan Honeycutt
JV Washam- Debbie Brown and Linda Linfoot
Kennedy - Matthew Moran
KIPP Charlotte – Rashid Williams
Lansdowne - Ronald Stephany
Lebanon Road- Susan Blomberg
Marie G Davis -Roderic Brace, Donna Alexander and Veronica Peeler
Martin Luther King -Janice Mundy
McAlpine - Amanda Pruitt
McKee Road - Debbie Mathews
Merry Oaks - Andrea Flood
Metro School – Shannon Martin
Myers Park Traditional – Bonnie Wilkie and Mary Ashley Davino
Nathaniel Alexander - Kristin Retort
Nations Ford - Carole Kiser and Jennifer Foulke
Northeast - Keith Marwitz
Northridge - Bridgett Wiley
Performance Learning Center - Andrena Goodwin
Phillip O'Berry – Sarah Hatter
Pinewood - Kristyn Walgren
Polo Ridge - Jillian Richard
Providence Day – Ted Dickson
Providence Spring - Jan Siciliano
Quail Hollow - Jeffrey Lee
Randolph - Michael White
Ridge Road - LaToya Howell and John Nabors
River Gate - Tia Taylor
Sedgefield - Siobhan Havlik
Selwyn - Katie Patton
Shamrock Gardens - Robin Tench
Socrates Academy – Shea Short
Sterling - Jean Konzelmann
Stoney Creek - Andrea Grisby
Torrence Creek - Christine Peachey
Tuckaseegee - Marcy Myers
University Park Creative Arts -Yolanda Labran-Gooden and Lynn Hudson
Vance – Duane Orr
Westerly Hills - Beverly Stewart
Whitewater Academy – Carolyn Singleton

Note: Many other schools were involved in the civic learning opportunity through additional educational activities. Let us know how you were involved!

Election results

2011-11-08T22:21:00.000-05:00

STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON SCHOOL BOARD AND MAYOR, LEARN ABOUT GOVERNMENT AND CIVICS

This election, over 32,000 Mecklenburg County students learned about government and civic participation by participating in a community-wide mock voting event hosted by Kids Voting Mecklenburg.

This participation rate is higher than the adult voter turnout %. Way to go, students!

K-12 students experienced elections through learning about and voting on real candidates and issues – this year, offices included mayor and school board - and taking part in community service-learning. While the results aren’t official, they are counted and reported.

Mayor

Charlotte Anthony Foxx 63% Scott Stone 37%

Cornelius    Jeff Tarte 100%

Davidson    Vince Winegarden 8%    John Woods 92%

Huntersville   Danae Caulfield 32%      Jill Swain 68%

Matthews     Jim Taylor 100%

Mint Hill      Ted Biggers 51%    Jean Bonner 49%

Pineville      George Fowler 100%

School Board
Larry Bumgarner - 6%
Elyse Dashew - 13%
Ericka Ellis-Stewart - 14%
Keith Hurley - 5%
Mary McCray - 9.5%
DeShauna McLamb - 2%
Tim Morgan - 9.8%
Ken Nelson - 6%
Hans Plotseneder - 4%
Aaron Pomis - 8.9%
Darrin Rankin - 9.3%
Lloyd Scher - 4%
Jeff Wise - 8.8%

Charlotte City Council At-Large
Patrick Cannon - 15%
Claire Fallon - 12.7%
David Howard - 14%
Beth Pickering - 12.6%
Christopher Hailey - 9%
Mohamed Moustafa - 8%
Edwin Peacock - 13%
Curtis Watkins - 7.2%
Alexander Vuchnich - 7.6%

Charlotte City Council - Districts
District 1 - Patsy Kinsey 57%   David Michael Rice 43%
District 2 - James Mitchell 100%
District 3 - LaWana Mayfield 66%   Ed Toney 34%
District 4 - Michael Barnes 60%      Larry Shanon 40%
District 5 - John Autry 58%   Dennis Peterson 42%
District 6 - Andy Dulin 100%
District 7 - Warren Cooksey 100%

Cornelius Town Board of Commissioners
John Bradford III - 13%
Dave Gilroy - 21%
Jeff Hare - 18%
Lynette Rinker -8%
Thurman Ross -21%
Chuck Travis - 18%

Davidson Town Board of Commissioners

Kristen Coupal - 11%

Jim Fuller - 16%

Rodney Graham - 16%

Brian Jenest - 13.2%

Mickey Pettus - 13%

Laurie Venzon - 14%

Connie Wessner - 15%

Huntersville Town Board of Commissioners

Melinda Bales - 9.1%
Adam Boatsman - 8.1%
Charles Guignard - 10%
Charles Jeter - 9.3%
Ron Julian - 8.5%
Sarah McAulay - 10.3%

Demspey Miller - 8.1%
Jeff Neely - 8.2%
Danny Phillips - 9.1%
Adam Planty - 8.1%
Brian Sisson - 8.75%

Matthews Town Board of Commissioners

Paul Bailey - 14.6%
Suzanne Gulley - 14.8%
Jeff Miller - 14.5%
Nancy LaFond Moore - 14.8%
Joe Pata - 12.3%
Kress Query - 14.8%
John Urban 14.1%

Mint Hill Town Board of Commissioners

Lloyd D. Austin - 15.4%

Carl (Mickey) Ellington - 15.7%

Christopher McAvoy - 13.6%

Brenda McRae - 15.1%

Eric S. Random -13.9% - tie

Tina Ross - 13.9% - tie

Derrick Snyder - 12.3%

Pineville Town Board

Al Baskins - 10.8%

Libby Boyd Boatwright - 10.8%

Melissa Rogers Davis - 14.8%

Jim Eschert - 11.7%

Deborah Fowler - 12.9%

Les Gladden - 14.2%

David Macala - 11.4%

David Phillips - 13.5%

The program links to classroom education through study about government, leadership, elections and voting, decision-making, critical-thinking and analysis of information. Classroom resources are available free for local educators, families and youth programs at www.kidsvoting.org.

The Kids Voting Election is one program offered by Kids Voting Mecklenburg, a civic education organization teaching K-12 students about government, civic participation and leadership. Other programs through the year include K-12 civic education and teen programs such as YouthCivics and Youth Voice/Leadership Alliance. Programs help students in school, build civic literacy and develop young people as effective citizens and leaders.

For more information visit www.kidsvoting.org or www.facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte, or email info@kidsvoting.org or call 704-343-6999.

Youth Civics and Voice

2011-11-07T18:14:00.001-05:00

Mock trial at courthouse

City council meeting

Discussing policies and issues

All high school students are invited to participate in upcoming programs Youth Civics and Youth Voice. These programs help teens learn about government, leadership and civic participation.

Youth Civics

Taking Civics? Interested in politics, law or service? Want to know how to make a difference on decisions that impact you?

Kids Voting Mecklenburg's exciting program, YouthCivics, will have its fall session November 15-December 13. You'll attend real government meetings, see the courthouse and meet a judge, find out who the leaders are, where government gets (and spends) its money, explore careers and more.

YouthCivics is ideal for students in Civics & Economics class and others with an interest in government, politics, law and service. The course takes place one evening a week in November and December. Sessions will be held at government buildings in downtown Charlotte. Community service hours are available for completing the course, participating in discussions about community issues, and providing important feedback.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited - sign up now! There is a one time $25 fee, which includes dinner, handouts and other materials. Scholarships are available. Schedule, session location and directions and other information will be provided after you register.

To register and ask questions, contact info@kidsvoting.org or 704-343-6999. To register, send your name, school, phone number and email address.Put Youth Civics in the subject line or note it somewhere else in the email. (We are also registering students for other programs at the same time.)

Youth Voice - Leadership Alliance

High school students meet twice a month to discuss school and community issues, policies and decisions with public officials. Upcoming meetings will be November 16 (Jennifer Roberts), November 29 (Hugh Hattabaugh and school board) and December 7 (Anthony Foxx). Meetings are 6-7:30PM at the Government Center, 600 E 4th Street, Charlotte 28202.

Youth Voice-Leadership Alliance, a program of Kids Voting Mecklenburg. Who can participate? Anyone in high school - student leaders, emerging leaders and students who just want to make a difference. The group is building a network of youth civic leaders who advise government policy and decision makers on issues impacting children and youth.

This is a great opportunity for students to learn about government and build leadership skills, while making friends and impacting the community.

All high school students from all schools and youth programs are invited to participate.

Link to Youth Voice on Facebook at www.facebook.com/youthvoice.
Download flyer
For more information and to join the email list, contact info@kidsvoting.org or 704-343-6999.

Kids Voting Day: November 8, 3:30-7:30PM

2011-11-05T14:51:00.000-04:00

Voting on Election Day? Take your kids! On Tuesday, November 8 from 3:30-7:30PM. K-12 students can visit these voting locations to cast a student vote for mayor (Charlotte and Mecklenburg towns), school board and city or town council. Look for the Kids Voting volunteers!

NOTE: STUDENTS MAY VISIT ANY SITE - PARENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE REGISTERED VOTERS THERE

North Mecklenburg

North County Regional Library
Bradley Middle School
JM Alexander Middle
Hornets Nest Elementary
Huntersville Elementary

North Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, University City

Cole Memorial UMC
Greenville AME
Hickory Grove North Campus
Highland Renaissance
Joseph W Grier Academy
Mallard Creek Rec Center
Nathaniel Alexander
Northridge Middle
Reedy Creek Elementary
Turning Point Academy
University City Library
University City Methodist

West Charlotte, Northwest Charlotte

Allenbrook Elementary
Coulwood Middle
Marie G Davis
McCrory YMCA
Oaklawn Elementary
St Marks United Methodist
Southview Rec Center
Tuckaseegee Elementary
Wallace Pruitt Rec Center
West Charlotte Rec Center

Central Charlotte

Covenant Presbyterian
St Johns Baptist
First Ward Elementary
Highland Renaissance

South Charlotte, Southpark, Myers Park

Christ Episcopal Church
Church at Charlotte
Forest Hills Church
Myers Park High School
Providence United Methodist
Randolph Middle
Scottish Rites Masonic
St Johns Episcopal
St Paul United Methodist
Westminster Presbyterian

South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Southwest Charlotte, South Mecklenburg, Pineville

Aldersgate United Methodist
Belle Johnston Center
Candlewyck Baptist
Community House Middle
Harrison United Methodist
Lansdowne Elementary
Living Savior Lutheran
McKee Rd Elementary
Olympic High School
Providence Presbyterian
Sardis Presbyterian
South Mecklenburg HS
St Matthew Catholic
St Stephen Methodist
Waddell Language Academy
William Davie Park

East Charlotte, East Mecklenburg, Matthews, Mint Hill

Albemarle Rd Rec Center
Amity Presbyterian
Calvary Church of Nazarene
Christ Covenant
Cornerstone Baptist
Lebanon Rd Elementary
Matthews Community Center
McClintock Middle
Mint Hill Town Hall
Northeast Middle
Philadelphia Presbyterian
Robinson Presbyterian
WTVI/Commonwealth

Students may also vote online here anytime through 7:30PM on November 8.

See what's on the Kids Voting ballot
Learn more about Election 2011 learning opportunities

Election Sites - find a site near you

View Kids Voting Election 2011 - Community Sites in a full screen map

Download and print list of voting sites

Kids Voting Day: Saturday, November 5

2011-11-02T13:51:00.001-04:00

Voting early? Take your kids on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00AM until 1:00PM. K-12 students can visit these early voting locations to cast a student vote for mayor (Charlotte and Mecklenburg towns), school board and city or town council. Look for the Kids Voting volunteers!

Beatties Ford
Independence
Matthews
Morrison
Mountain Island
North County
South County
Steele Creek
University City
West Boulevard

Additional sites will be open on Tuesday, November 8 3:30-7:30PM. We'll post a final list of those sites soon.

See what's on the Kids Voting ballot
Learn more about Election 2011 learning opportunities

View Kids Voting Election 2011 - Community Sites in a full screen map

Rate the candidates

2011-10-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

Before voting in this year’s school board election, learn about the candidates and decide where they stand on issues that matter to you. Rank the candidates on each issue, with 1= worst and 10=best. Then, add up the scores and see which candidates look the best to you! (3 At-Large seats are up for election in 2011.)

Activity

Rate the Candidates: Download activity

Resources

Short candidate video interviews: http://cltvotes.us

Testing – Do you support standardized tests in every subject and grade?
Teachers – How should CMS attract and retain great teachers?
Focus – Where should CMS focus on students...high-achievers, at-risk or students in the middle?
Charter Schools – What is the role of charter schools at CMS?
Diversity – What kind of diversity is most important at CMS?
AP Classes – Should there be more AP classes at high schools?
Equity – Should all schools get the same resources and how will you know if this is happening?
Deconsolidate – Is CMS too big?
Youth Voice – Should CMS involve students in policy and decision-making?
Information – How are you informed about CMS?

Find these links and more at http://www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org/search/label/election%202011

CMS http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/2011BoardofEducationcandidateprofiles.aspx
Charlotte Observer http://media.charlotteobserver.com/static/images/pdf/4A_oct162011.pdf
MeckEd http://www.mecked.org/index.php/education/school-board-candidates/
Election study http://www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org/search/label/election%202011
Download classroom presentations for election http://bit.ly/u0ODb1 or view online

Student vote on school board, mayor and council candidates – October 24-November 8

Online: http://portal.kidsvoting.org/election/voting_booth.aspx
Community/school: http://portal.kidsvoting.org/election/election_experience.aspx

Early Voting Kids Voting Day: November 5, 10AM-1PM
Election Kids Voting Day: November 8, 3:30-7:30PM

Youth Voice students Maya Fleming (East Mecklenburg), Jalen Feaster (Mallard Creek) and Aidan McConnell (Providence) questioned school board candidates. Click here to view videos

Students weigh in on school board and mayor, learn government and civics

2011-10-20T14:56:00.000-04:00

Mecklenburg County students have the opportunity to learn about government and civic participation through a community-wide mock voting event hosted by Kids Voting Mecklenburg.

K-12 students experience elections through learning about and voting on real candidates and issues – this year, offices include mayor and school board - and taking part in community service-learning. While the results aren’t official, they are counted and reported publicly. Over 45,000 local students participated in last year’s mid-term elections.

The program links to classroom education in a variety of disciplines through study about government, leadership, elections and voting, decision-making, critical-thinking and analysis of information. Classroom resources are available free for local educators, families and youth programs at www.kidsvoting.org.

In addition to classroom study, students have the opportunity to experience elections though a variety of hands-on activities:

Casting a vote by online ballot (October 24-November 8)
Visiting designated polling places across the community on Kids Voting Days (October 28-30, November 5 and November 8)
Service-learning at polling places (through the election period)
Participating in school-organized Kids Voting elections (October 24-November 8)

Visit www.kidsvoting.org/election/election_experience.aspx to access the online ballot, identify voting sites where Kids Voting booths will be located, learn dates and times for Kids Voting Days and more. Use the Rate the Candidates activity and get ready to vote by learning about the offices on the ballot.

The Kids Voting Election is one program offered by Kids Voting Mecklenburg, a civic education organization teaching K-12 students about government, civic participation and leadership. Other programs through the year include K-12 civic education and teen programs such as YouthCivics and Youth Voice/Leadership Alliance. Programs help students in school, build civic literacy and develop young people as effective citizens and leaders.

For more information visit www.kidsvoting.org or www.facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte, or email info@kidsvoting.org or call 704-343-6999.

Teaching about the election?

2011-10-18T12:40:00.000-04:00

Teaching about the election? There's more to it than voting! Here are a few ways to link the election and civic learning with other subjects:

Reading

Reading comprehension of informational text
Reading and following instructions
Analyzing information about candidates and election
Making informed decisions based on information
Communicating a position effectively
Evaluating communication skills of candidates
Media literacy
Using technology to gather and assess information

Math

Counting votes
Grouping like items and seeing patterns
Measuring paper for the voting chains and ballots
Calculating percentages of votes or turnout
Graphing
Venn diagrams using local government services or qualities of leaders and politicians

Social studies

Local government
Democratic process
Elections and civic participation
Examining roles of leaders and citizens
Comparing and contrasting local issues with historic, statewide, national or global issues
Comparing and contrasting local government roles and services with historic, statewide, national or global roles and services

Many applications to 21st century learning

Civic literacy
Information literacy
Media literacy
Government and civics
Critical thinking
Decision making
Analyzing information
Communication
Problem solving

Visit our Classroom Resource Library for age-appropriate lessons and activities aligned to the Standard Course of Study

Get ready for Election 2011

Make your voice heard

2011-10-17T17:38:00.000-04:00

Here's your chance to question the school board candidates! Attend the candidate forum on Wednesday, October 19 at 6:45-8:30PM. It will be at CPCC Main Campus, in the Overcash Building. http://tix.cpcc.edu/parking-directions - use the Google directions for Halton Theater.

Learn more: http://www.mecked.org/index.php/rsvp-to-the-meckedwfae-interactive-debate/

We will offer service/extra credit to students who attend!

Getting ready to vote

2011-10-14T14:50:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to vote in Election 2011? Here's some information to help!

Download these files

Charlotte - Middle and High School or Elementary
South Mecklenburg towns - Middle and High School or Elementary
North Mecklenburg town s- Middle and High School or Elementary

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Charlotte

Election2011 - Middle and High school - Charlotte

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville

Election2011 - Middle and High - N Meck Towns

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville

Election2011-Middle and High School - S Meck Towns

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

ELEMENTARY

Charlotte

Election2011 - Grades K-5 Charlotte

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg

Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville

Election 2011 - Grades K-5 N Meck Towns

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg

Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville

Election 2011- Grades K-5 South Meck Towns

View more presentations from Kids Voting Charlotte and Mecklenburg

Learning about candidates

2011-10-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to vote in Election 2011?

First, you need to learn about the candidates who are running for office. Here are some great places to start reading candidate profiles, checking out their positions and websites, and watching videos. We will continue to post links here through Election 2011 - check back to see the updates!

Overall

List of candidates
Teaching about the election?

SCHOOL BOARD

MeckEd candidate profiles
CMS candidate profiles
Kids Voting/WTVI/League of Women Voters video interviews
Charlotte Observer profiles in grid form
UNC-TV Candidate Profiles
Larry Bumgarner http://www.deconsolidate.com/
Elyse Dashew http://dashewforschoolboard.com/
Ericka Ellis-Stewart http://www.ericka4cmsboard.com/
Keith Hurley http://keithhurley.com/
Mary McCray http://www.marymccrayforschoolboard.webs.com/
DeShauna McLamb (no website)
Tim Morgan http://www.morganforschoolboard.net/
Ken Nelson http://www.kenwnelson.com/
Hans Plotseneder http://www.drplots.com/
Aaron Pomis http://www.aaronpomis.com/
Darrin Rankin http://www.rankinforcms.com/
Lloyd Scher http://www.lloydscher.com/
Jeff Wise http://www.votejeffwise.com/

MAYOR

Charlotte
WTVI videos/debate (coming soon)
Charlotte Observer candidate profiles (coming soon)
UNC-TV Candidate Profiles
Anthony Foxx (D) www.anthonyfoxx.com
Scott Stone (R) www.electscottstone.com

Cornelius
Jeff Tarte running unopposed
Cornelius.net Election 2011 news
UNC-TV Voter Guide

Davidson
Huntersville Herald questions
Davidson.net Election 2011 news
UNC-TV Voter Guide
Vince Winegardner voteforvince.org/
John Woods http://www.mayorjohnwoods.com

Huntersville
UNC-TV Voter Guide
Lake Norman Citizen profiles
Lake Norman Citizen Tilley info (toward end of story )
Huntersville Herald (coming soon)
Beth (Danae) Caulfield www.caulfieldformayor.com
Jill Swain www.jillswain.com

Matthews
UNC-TV Voter Guide
Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly profile

Jim Taylor (unopposed) www.mayorjimtaylor.com/

Mint Hill
UNC-TV Voter Guide
Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly profile
Ted Biggers minthillmayor.com/

Jean Bonner (no website)

Pineville
George Fowler (unopposed) http://ncvoterguide.org/pineville/mayor_fowler.php

CITY AND TOWN COUNCIL
Charlotte - At-Large

ncvoterguide.org/charlotte/

Patrick Cannon http://www.patrickdcannon.com/page.php?7
Claire Fallon
David Howard http://votedavidhoward.com/
Beth Pickering http://www.voteforbethpickering.com/
Christopher Hailey http://home.votehailey.com/
Mohamed Moustafa http://www.votemohamedmoustafa.com/
Edwin Peacock http://www.edwinpeacock.com/
Curtis Watkins http://www.curtis-watkins.com/
Alexander Vuchnich http://vuchnichforcitycouncil.org/

District Map

District 1
Patsy Kinsey (D)

District 2
James Mitchell (D)

District 3
LaWana Mayfield (D) www.lawanamayfield.com
Ed Toney (R)

District 4
Michael Barnes (D) http://www.barnesdistrict4.com/
Larry Shannon (R)

District 5
John Autry (D) http://www.johnautry.com/
Dennis Peterson (R) http://electdennispeterson.com/

District 6
Andy Dulin http://www.voteandydulin.com/

District 7
Warren Cooksey http://www.warrencooksey.com/

Cornelius Board of Commissioners
http://ncvoterguide.org/cornelius
John Bradford III
Dave Gilroy
Jeff Hare
Lynette Rinker
Thurman Ross
Chuck Travis

Davidson
http://ncvoterguide.org/davidson/
Kristen Coupal
Jim Fuller
Rodney Graham
Brian Jenest
Mickey Pettus
Laurie Venzon
Connie Wessner

Huntersville
/http://ncvoterguide.org/huntersville/
Melinda Bales
Adam Boatsman
Charles Guignard
Charles Jeter
Ron Julian
Sarah McAulay
Dempsey Miller
Jeff Neely
Danny Phillips
Adam Planty
Brian Sisson

Matthews
http://ncvoterguide.org/matthews/
Paul Bailey
Suzanne Gulley
Jeff Miller
Nancy LaFond Moore
Joe Pata
Kress Query
John Urban

Mint Hill
http://ncvoterguide.org/minthill/
Lloyd D. Austin
Carl (Mickey) Ellington
Christopher McAvoy
Brenda McRae
Eric S. Random
Katrina (Tina) Weaver Ross
Derrick Snyder

Pineville
http://ncvoterguide.org/pineville
Al Baskins
Libby Boyd Boatwright
Melissa Rogers Davis
Jim Eschert
Deborah Fowler
Les Gladden
David Macala
David Phillips