October 02, 2012
Registration open for Civics Education workshop
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The second Civic Education Workshop, sponsored by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is set for next week.
"Engaging Young People for a Better Illinois," is from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 11, in the Student Center ballrooms at SIU Carbondale.
The workshop will offer tips to improve civic learning and civic engagement in area schools. Funded by the McCormick Foundation, the workshop is for local educators, school officials, youth program directors and others interested in civics in communities throughout Southern Illinois.
"The lack of proper civic education programs in our schools will soon be a factor in Illinois' ethics problems," said David Yepsen, Institute director. "Young people aren't being taught the values of public service and civic responsibility. An ignorant citizenry is no bulwark against corrupt government. Correcting Illinois' reputation for ethics and corruption problems is going to require a responsible citizenry that understands history, social studies and how governments work."
Workshop participants will have opportunities to network and share ideas with peers from around the region, as well as discover ways to do better with less in a time of tight budgets. Roudy W. Hildreth, an associate professor in political science at SIU Carbondale, will open the morning with a frank discussion about civic education, followed by presentations by experts from the McCormick Foundation. Afternoon sessions include breakout sessions and interactive learning with both local and national examples of civic learning.
The free conference is open to the public, but registration is required and requested before Friday, Oct. 5. Registration is available at civics2012.eventbrite.com.
For more information, contact Emily Burke, Institute program coordinator, at 618/453-4004 or by email at eburke@siu.edu.