Added Videos for the Lesson Plan: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZLRVFRf33vo?si=yYzHBlh3fViPt5Fj

And: https://youtu.be/elg7fc9CKhg?si=BGizM2kfTw0ueduX

🏛️ Civic Engagement Lesson Plan: “Your Voice, Your City”

🎯 Learning Objective

Participants will understand the structure and function of local government, identify current civic issues in their community, and develop strategies to engage effectively in local decision-making processes.

🧠 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

• Describe the roles of key local government officials and departments Example: Explain the responsibilities of the mayor, city council, and public works department in St. Paul.
• Identify one current issue affecting their community Example: Discuss the impact of rising property taxes or the closure of local grocery stores in Midway.
• Analyze how local decisions impact daily life Example: Evaluate how rent control policies affect housing availability and affordability.
• Develop a civic action plan to address a local issue Example: Create a plan to attend a city council meeting and speak about public transit improvements.
• Demonstrate how to communicate effectively with elected representatives Example: Draft a letter to the mayor advocating for safer pedestrian crossings in their neighborhood.

📝 Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction (20 minutes)

• Icebreaker: “What’s one thing you’d change in your city?”
• Overview of local government structure
• Discussion of recent local events (e.g., mayoral election, policy changes)

2. Exploration (40 minutes)

• Group activity: Map how a local issue (e.g., infrastructure repair) moves through city government
• Research: Identify local representatives and their stated priorities

3. Action Planning (60 minutes)

• Workshop: Draft a civic action plan
  • Choose a community issue
  • Identify stakeholders
  • Plan outreach (letters, meetings, social media)
• Role-play: Practice speaking at a city council meeting or writing to a representative

4. Reflection & Wrap-Up (20 minutes)

• Share action plans
• Discuss barriers to civic engagement and strategies to overcome them
• Encourage follow-up: Attend a real meeting or submit a letter

✅ Assessment Methods

• Formative Assessment:
  • Participation in discussions and group activities
  • Completion of civic issue mapping
• Summative Assessment:
  • Submission of a civic action plan
  • Reflection journal entry: “What did I learn about my role in local government?”

Comments and/or to be a guest on the podcast call: 773-809-8594