On July 6 through August 6, 2020, the L.C.R. Project will begin a new project, titled Task F.O.R.C.E. (Fostering our Responsibility in Civic Education). This program provides youth, aged twelve to seventeen, an engaging and dynamic civics education at no cost. This course will cover the constitution, elections, political parties, citizens’ rights, and history. Task F.O.R.C.E. will provide students with an applicable understanding of the way government works, the vital role every individual plays through civic engagement and political participation, and provide opportunities for students to learn about civic careers. The ultimate goal is that, through this program, minority youth will cultivate an interest in civics that will carry them into the future to become our government leaders.
In the state of Florida, high school students are required to complete one semester of a civics class in order to graduate. Despite this requirement, Florida’s voter turnout for eligible individuals aged 18-24 is only 33.1%, among the lowest in the country. This suggests that a formal, traditional civics class may be largely ineffective at providing students with the necessary tools for, and understanding of, their active participation in our democratic process. Task F.O.R.C.E. aims to begin this educational process early, through a less traditional means, as a way to truly show that civics is a part of our daily lives, rather than simply a subject in school.
Today, much of Gen Z is beginning their civic engagement through protests, demonstrations, advocacy, and educating themselves and others on pressing issues; we have seen this recently in their participation in movements like Black Lives Matter and in youth-led climate strikes. As a generation, they are aware of the causes in which they believe and the impact that every person has. Through participation in the Task F.O.R.C.E. program, students will gain the knowledge and understanding to turn this momentum and passion into change.
The monthlong Task F.O.R.C.E. civics class is free and open to all students ages 12-17. To reserve a spot for yourself or a student in your life, go to www.lcrtaskforce.eventbrite.com The classes will be held over Zoom, and the link will be sent by July 3 to everyone who registers.
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