CIVICS IN ACTION

Last week, Breakthrough wrapped up its first ever pilot session of Civics in Action! 

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The focus of the class  action of the class was on a civic-oriented project each student had to conceive of and execute as a team. Each project was driven by a simple ethos: be the change you want to see in your community. 

Along the way, students constantly examined and defined what that phrase meant to them. Some of their assignments included studying civic movements past and present, examining power structures, q&a's from civic activists, and taking part in class-wide volunteering for other social ventures like Street Soccer USA.  
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Our kids volunteered for Street Soccer USA's 

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The last of the civics projects wrapped up last week. Some of the ideas included a movie night for learning disabled kids, a kids' crafts day where future proceeds benefit a nonprofit, a dance day, and a charity gaming tournament benefiting Extra Life. 
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Sophie Lin's Krafts for Kids project drew in a lot of cute kids who had a great time! 

​The student response to the class has been overwhelmingly positive. Nothing's better as an educator than feeling like you gave your kids a rewarding and meaningful experience. 
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The dance group in action.

We started the Civics program because we believe that now more than ever students need to learn how to take control of their futures. We also wanted students to experience firsthand the difficulties with actually creating something meaningful. They all had their share of setbacks. As Coaches, we tried to instill in them a never-say-die attitude, stressing that their ultimate success rested on their ability to solve problems. We also stressed how oftentimes that means just grinding it out. 

Deal with it. Fix it.  ​

Although the projects wrapped with various degrees of success, each student felt that they had learned a lot from their experiences. I know I did!

Civics in Action will be back next year, bigger and better than before!

- Ray
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