First Vote NC, an initiative of EducationNC, received a nomination for an American Civic Collaboration Award, or Civvy. The award honors “organizations and individuals that leverage collaboration as a key strength in building initiatives that improve communities.”
Recognition is given to individuals and organizations who go beyond partisanship and idealogical divides to find common ground to improve the nation.
“Without the innovative and dedicated North Carolina teachers who implemented the First Vote initiative in their schools, this nomination would not have happened,” said First Vote NC Director Hunter Buxton. “Everyone involved with First Vote NC is grateful for the teachers willing to go the extra mile to provide their students with this meaningful and impactful experience.”
First Vote NC is a free, project-based curriculum offering civic instruction materials to high school teachers across the state. More than 32,000 students statewide voted in an election simulation in 2016. The First Vote lesson plans are aligned with state standards, and students have the opportunity to cast their votes and analyze results through an enhanced online voter platform. Teachers receive standalone lesson plans that explore topics like voter registration, turnout, suppression and party affiliation.
The awards are sponsored by two national nonpartisan organizations: The Bridge Alliance and Big Tent Nation. Nominees will be considered by a review committee that includes Mickey Edwards, former congressman and vice president of the Aspen Institute; Betsy Wright Hawkings, Governance Program director at the Democracy Fund; Peter Levine, associate dean and Lincoln Filene professor of citizenship & public affairs at Tufts University; and David Sawyer, partner at Converge for Impact.
Winners will be announced at the National Conference on Citizenship on October 20, 2017.
