Catch up with The Civic Circle:
Gratitude as a Civic Virtue
Category: Uncategorized
The Civic Circle’s program builds seven civic skills we call “steps to democracy,” but we like to ask students: If you were to add an eighth “step,” what would it be? At this time of year, one that readily springs to mind is: Gratitude. On the surface, gratitude may seem more closely aligned with spiritual than with civic life. But appreciating what’s good in our lives, and in the world, fuels us with the energy
The Civic Circle enjoyed a fantastic visit the first week in November from high school and college student guest speakers. Big thanks to Sean Quiroga and Marina Aronez, of Montgomery College, and to Corrin MacCrehan, the state legislative affairs coordinator with the Maryland Association of Student Councils. Civic Circle students learned about how they can run for student council themselves as early as next year, and had a great time giving stump speeches during mock
Big thanks to Lea Morris and Nick Newlin for the fantastic streaming show for the D.C. Public Library on November 13! And thanks to DCPL for the opportunity! It was great to see Lea and Nick performing together again, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate World Kindness Day.
In the quest for civic success stories, the very last place to look might appear to be climate news. The best efforts of the United Nations Climate Change Conference will not be enough to avert the worst effects of warming, scientists say. Little wonder youth climate activist Greta Thunberg has dismissed the COP26 global summit in Glasgow as “a green wash festival” and “a failure.” But the derision of Thunberg and thousands of other young
The Civic Circle is very grateful to the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County for three outstanding visits to our students the week of October 25. Students had a lively time playing “emotional charades,” and filled in the blanks on an “anger thermometer,” gaining valuable skills to take the first “step to democracy,” which is Listen!