This week, March 10-14, is Civic Learning Week.

Civics is the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a society. It’s a social science that studies government, civil law, and civil codes.

As seen on michigan.gov, healthy and vibrant civic life requires informed and engaged communities. Civic education provides the groundwork to develop skills for dialogue, understand systemic, institutional, and democratic processes, collaborate and cooperate through difference to resolve issues, honor diverse perspectives, and enhance the civic strength of our communities.

Civic Learning Week highlights civic learning as a nationwide priority for maintaining and reinforcing our constitutional democracy.

During Civic Learning Week, students, educators, policymakers, leaders, community members, and others, in both public and private sectors, further energize the movement for civic education across the nation.

The National Council for the Social Studies says civic education is essential to ensuring everyone in the country is equipped with the necessary tools to engage as members of our self-governing society.

The council explains the goals of Civic Learning Week as providing elementary and secondary school students with positive and engaging civic learning opportunities, engaging the public around the importance of civic learning, and providing a mechanism for everyone to connect at a local level and beyond around shared commitment to civic education.

There are plenty of ways to get involved during Civic Learning Week.

Attend local events. During Civic Learning Week, there are often events and activities organized by schools, libraries, community centers, and local government offices. Learn more about those events and attend. That includes attending meetings for local governing bodies and being a part of the conversation.

Volunteer and serve. Supporting community organizations is another way to get involved. Volunteering with local non-profits, charities, or community groups that address local needs gets you involved in the community and learning more about its needs.

Participate in civic activities. This includes both now and in the future. Participating in elections, staying informed, contacting your representatives, and advocating for issues are all things to start practicing this week and carry with you past Civic Learning Week.

Promote civic learning. Encourage others to engage in civic learning activities and to get involved in their communities. Supporting schools is another way to promote civic learning, ensuring students learn more about the subject.

Take the time to learn more about civics by talking with your peers, officials, educators, and others. Visit civiclearningweek.org for additional information, resources, events, and more.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)