TM: Teaching
Opportunity

This time of year, we all have a stake in town business.

Whether we’re preparing reports and presentations for the annual Town Meeting, running for a local position, or worrying about whether the Road Commissioner will be reappointed, we know our efforts can help make a difference, our involvement can influence outcomes. As adults, we understand that participation by its citizens is the cornerstone of a functional democracy. But what are we doing to help our kids develop this same appreciation? Turns out, quite a bit.

In the last month, the Secretary of State’s Office made a big push to get the word out about the civic education materials available here. We sent letters and emails to teachers, school librarians, town clerks, home schoolers, and anyone else we could think of.

We informed them about the educational yet entertaining booklets we’ve produced around the subject of Town Meeting, three in the series for kids ranging from pre-school to high school.

We reminded them about Vermont History, Facts, and Fun, a book designed to augment the state-wide 4th grade study of Vermont.

We let them know about How A Bill Becomes A Law, A Citizen’s Guide To Town Meeting, and our exciting new middle school game, On The Road To Congress.

Most of all, we made sure they knew that all the civic education materials we produce are provided free of charge.

The response was overwhelming. We’ve sent out about 16,000 books since the beginning of the year, almost 3000 just in the past week.

That translates into thousands of Vermont kids knowing that March 6th isn’t just another day of school vacation; it’s the day that towns decide for themselves who their leaders will be, and how their money will be spent.

The Secretary of State’s Office appreciates everyone involved in this collaborative effort. Together, we’re helping our youngest citizens develop an understanding of the immense value of a democratic society

Missy Shea

Civics Education Coordinator

Secretary of State’s Office