The annual Civics Day event, hosted by North’s Next Gen Voices, allowed students to explore different civic opportunities in the community, Tuesday, Feb. 10.
During the day, students learned about government decision-making, community service opportunities, and more through interactive games, panels, and information tables.
“We aimed the event to make civics feel relevant, accessible and engaging for students across all grade levels,” said senior Maya Solomon, a Next Gen Voices officer.
During f-block, city agencies and nonprofit organizations set up tables on Main Street that displayed various volunteer, internship, and civic engagement opportunities.
Organizations included the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Discovering Justice, the Newton YouthWorks Summer Internship Program, the League of Women Voters, and Green Newton.
The Center for Civic Engagement and Service (CCES) highlighted the various ways students can participate in mock elections and pursue the Seal of Civic Action.
The Student Faculty Administration (SFA) also hosted a table, emphasizing student leadership opportunities and ways to influence school policies.
“We’re asking for direct student feedback about different initiatives and different things we can do around the school to make the school a better and safer place for all,” said senior May Bunton, an SFA member.
“We were invited by Next Gen Voices to participate in Civics Day, which is dedicated to helping students have more active ways to interact with the community,” she added.
A voter registration table allowed students to register or pre-register to vote if they were at least 16 years old.
“We try to get students involved early so they become lifelong voters,” said senior Shaelyn Shields, a Next Gen Voices officer. According to Shields, voting is important because “that’s how you make change.”
During g-block, students gathered in the Lasker Auditorium for a panel discussion with several school committee members, Barry House Dean Nick Capodilupo, and senior Aanya Vishwanath, an SFA member.
Panelists answered various questions that ranged from school budgets to multi-level classes. They also emphasized the need for students to attend meetings, send emails, and make their voices heard.
Students attended a panel during Tiger Block featuring Mayor Marc Laredo. Laredo answered student questions about his career path, priorities, and overall plans for the city.
During b-block, students participated in a U.S. history-themed Jeopardy game led by members of Next Gen Voices in the Little Theatre. Students were divided into four teams and competed by answering questions in five categories—The Judicial Branch, Federalism, Elections and Voting, The Constitution and Its Amendments, and Finish the Quote.
Shields said, “I think civics is important for everyone. I think part of being young and learning how to become a citizen of the United States is learning how to enact the change that you want to see.”
