Want to start your own chapter? There’s little, if any, startup cost. Simply pick a topic, use some of the articles we’ve already curated for you, or curate your own articles. Got a local issue that you want to talk about? You could do that, too. Need to talk about a topic more than once? Guess what, you can do that! Do your students overwhelmingly identify one way on an issue? Projectciv is for you, then, because your students will be exposed to a different viewpoint.
What’s in it for students? People want to talk about real issues, but are afraid to share their opinions for fear of being judged. This causes people to dismiss different viewpoints- we naturally retreat to our own “tribe” of people who believe like us. That’s not healthy for our democracy. Projectciv discussions involve reading text-complex articles, articulating viewpoints, and active listening. A Projectciv discussion also embeds social-emotional learning (SEL). Check out the core SEL competencies involved in a Projectciv discussion. Teachers can also include an advocacy component, which can include writing a letter to the editor, contacting a legislator, joining or starting a community organization, etc. Kids come away from a Projectciv discussion empowered to act in their communities – and with the knowledge of different viewpoints to do so more successfully.
What’s in it for teachers? You’ll be helping your students build background knowledge, engage in a complex text, synthesize material, and articulate an argument, for sure. That’s tied to your state standards. But you’ll also be creating a space for students to express ideas where they can get feedback. You can invite community members and elected officials to participate. And you’ll show kids how they can advocate for an issue. They’ll know that they have a voice.
One discussion a month can begin to change the culture of respect in our communities. If you are ready to start, fill out this form, and we’ll be in contact with you.
ProjectCivAmerica 