The October 2019 Newsletter is out. Read about the exciting developments of Project Vote.
October Newsletter
Category Archives: Service Learning
August 2019 News – Voter Registration Service Learning
With a focus on our service learning mission, Dickerson Center for Civic Responsibility, Inc. (Dickerson Center), a local 501 (c)(3), is launching a campaign in the fall of 2019 to utilize young people in an effort to increase voter registration and participation as engaged citizens. Some research indicates voter participation rates among young people in the United States are at an all-time low. Many haven’t learned how to register to vote, but of young people who are registered to vote turn out in high numbers. We will help make sure 100% of eligible voters in your school who will turn 18 over the next year are registered voters. A healthy democracy needs well-informed, active citizens. But these citizens don’t just magically appear; people learn citizenship.
We propose a yearlong Senior Class Project-Project Vote designed to expand voting to this population by asking them to register to vote and vote in local, state and national elections. In addition to educating students on their civic responsibility, this service learning program is also a strategy to enhance leadership skills among young people.
The primary role of Dickerson Center, the lead agency, is to convene a coalition of partners who will work collectively to implement the unique provision of the Texas Election Code that requires all high school principals – public and private- to serve as Deputy Voter Registrars. In this capacity, Texas high school principals “shall distribute an officially prescribed registration application form to each student who is or will be 18 years of age or older during that year”. In collaboration with schools, Dallas County Elections and League of Women Voters, we will assist young people in conducting a voter registration drive. Service learning credit will be awarded to students who participate in Project Vote.
With the assistance of a school leader, students will develop an action plan to implement Project Vote in their school. Once you notify us of your participation, we will see that the school receives a specially designed curriculum from the League of Women Voters to create a voter registration campaign among their peers.
Please join us in helping cultivate lifelong voters. The future of our cities, state and nation depend on it. Please RSVP by emailing us no later than August 30, 2019.
Contact:
Mrs. Linda Lamar
President
Dickerson Center for Civic Responsibility, Inc.
contact@dickersonciviccenter.org
888.381.2547
PDF:
Summer 2019 Newsletter
Welcome Summer 2019!
We are pleased to report that our Fall/Winter Youth Ambassador program at AAM / Jefferson Monticello exhibition was a huge success.
The service program focused on docent training for high school students. Fifteen young people applied and completed the 20-week program of training and service. They served over 200 hours at the museum in Fair Park. At the completion of the project, they were celebrated for their service held at the museum, with Dickerson Center board, museum staff, and parents in attendance.
In the works for Fall:
We are planning an ambitions voter education/registration campaign for youths between 17 and 24 years old over the next twelve months.
Volunteers are needed and financial support is being accepted! Get the word out.
Several technology grant proposals are pending. More to come!
Youth Ambassadors@African American Museum
We are excited to launch our Youth Ambassador Program at the African American Museum Monticello Exhibition.
“I am excited about launching the Youth Ambassador Program”, said Dickerson Center President/CEO, Linda Lamar. “This is a unique service opportunity to engage middle and high school students as docents at the African American Museum for the Monticello exhibition.” Ten students spent five hours in training, learning about slavery in American History and the value of volunteering on Saturday, September 15. Each student will serve 42 hours between September and December 2018 and will earn a service certificate after completion of volunteer service.
#GivingTuesday, November 27, 2018
Keep middle and high school students engaged in serving.
Wondering how you can get involved? Click our donate page to support out mission and programming and support our efforts in engaging students in serving their community.
A Year of Service Learning 2018
Involving Kids
Childrens’ volunteering benefits everyone! Through volunteering, youth learn to …
- respect others
- be helpful and kind
- understand people who are different from themselves
- develop leadership skills
- become more patient
- gain a better understanding of good citizenship
Volunteering at an early age can create positive life behaviors. Children who volunteer are three times more likely to volunteer as adults. Steady volunteering, even at a minimum of one hour a week, reduces negative behaviors. For example, youth who volunteer are 50% less like likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior. It’s never too early to start to volunteer! Children have many opportunities to help their communities.
Contact us to learn how your child can become involved in service learning opportunities.