#gennation

At the June 2 Kids Convention, hosted by Charlotte in 2012, EpiCentre, and GenerationNation, hundreds of kids and their families spent a fun Saturday exploring civics in action. Kids had opportunities to make campaign buttons, play the Civics IQ game, vote on a community issue, come up with ideas and solutions for the country and city, and hear from civic leaders. They also had a great time dancing with Radio Disney and watching Inspire the Fire and the West Charlotte marching band. In one of the activities, students considered their ideas and solutions for the nation and city. Download lesson View all photos, including this one featuring Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx and Youth Voice members

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Without civics, American Idol judges better known than Supreme Court

From Julian Wright, chair of the GenerationNation board of directors and an attorney with Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A We live in an increasingly divisive and strident political climate. Students are watching. What are they learning? Studies and surveys tell us that more Americans - and more youth - know less about government and civic life than ever before. Most cannot even name the three branches of federal government, much less say what each branch does. More Americans can name every judge on American Idol than one member of the United States Supreme Court. Fewer still know about their state and local governments or how citizens and leaders work together to create the policies and decisions that affect us every day.

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Without civics-idol-judges-better

GenerationNation, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, builds civic literacy and develops young people as effective citizens and leaders.

With over 1,000 volunteers and a 20-year track record of success, GenerationNation (formerly known as Kids Voting) offers smart, fun, engaging, educational - and nonpartisan - programs that connect classroom activities with hands-on experiences.

GenerationNation programs include K-12 civic education, Youth Civics, Youth Voice Leadership Alliance, Kids Voting, k12in2012 and other initiatives.