House of Representatives

State of Tennessee

 

Contact: Kara Watkins (615) 741-1975

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Dear Friends:

Many of you have answered the call when this type of opportunity has arisen in the past.  I am pleased to inform you that the Rutherford County Legislative Delegation always has a strong presence at this event.  My colleagues and I would be honored to have you join us for this event.  I promise you that it will be a very rewarding way to spend a Saturday morning.

If you need additional information regarding the judges role or the program, please do not hesitate to contact me.  If you already know that you want to participate, please contact Janis directly.

Sincerely,

Rep. Donna Rowland 

Subject: We the People Showcase for Tennessee Youth

The Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement is proud to present the 2007-2008 We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution Showcase and Competition on January 19, 2008 at MTSU.  The judges training will be held in the Business and Aerospace Building at 9am.  The We the People programs are funded by Act of Congress and are mentioned by name in No Child Left Behind.

I need your help!  With over 300 youth presenting at the showcase, I need judges to "Hear" their testimony.  Will you please consider giving a Saturday morning to hear some of the most knowledgeable youth (4th - 12th grade)in Tennessee speak on the US Constitution?  Students are coming from schools across Tennessee.

There will be over 300 fourth grade through 12th grade Tennessee students who have studied the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights in Murfreesboro to present their knowledge to you.

The primary goal of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s elementary and secondary students.  What makes the program so successful is the design of its instructional program, including its innovative culminating activity.

The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students "testify" before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.

Please let me know if you are available to serve these youth as a "judge"?  I will make lodging arrangements for you if necessary.

If you would like more information on the program, please visit www.civiced.org

Janis  Adams Kyser
Director
Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement
3635 Georgetown Road
Cleveland, Tennessee 37312

423-593-1444
423-479-9553 fax
 
"It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men."
--Frederick Douglass