Commission seeks examples of civic engagement programs

The Special Commission on Civic Engagement and Learning, which was re-established by last year’s state budget, is seeking examples of local programs for educating members of the community about the workings of government – whether in K-12 education or for adults.

By the end of this year, the commission must make recommendations to the Legislature for promoting civic participation, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations.

The commission’s charge includes “assessment of the status of civic education from kindergarten through undergraduate college education … [and of] civic knowledge of graduates of public high schools.”

The 26-member commission was first established in 2008 and was revived last year.

Natick Selectman Josh Ostroff, president of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association, serves as the MMA’s designee on the commission, which also includes legislators, the state education commissioner, numerous representatives from the education field, and the state coordinator of the Center for Civic Education, among others.

City or town leaders who have experience with civic engagement and education programs are asked to contact MMA Communications and Membership Director Pat Mikes at pmikes@mma.org or (617) 462-7272 as soon as possible.