On May 23, ten groups of Buffalo public school students and their social studies teachers attended the
first-ever Civics Day at the Buffalo History Museum. Sponsored by Generation Citizen, which provided the curriculum used by the teachers with their classes this year, the students presented their research and recommendations on issues of importance to their classes. Issues included: “Advocating for a Bus Lane at Olmsted,” “Increased Access to Mental Health Training,” “Love Canal: Ongoing Environmental Issues,” “Racial Conflict as an Enduring Issue,” “Food Deserts and Lack of Investment in Inner City Urban Areas,” “Decreasing Community Violence,” and “Addressing Abandoned Properties.”

Barbara Gunderson, Cindy Havey and Chris Cavarello of LWVBN were mentors to the student groups, along with many civic leaders and other Buffalonians. We listened to student presentations, asked questions to explore their understanding further, and evaluated their efforts. The students at East Community High School and their teacher, Caitlin Orgek, won the overall competition with their topic, “Increased Access to Mental Health Training.”

It was an amazing experience. To meet students who are so invested in their community and so articulate about the problems facing them, and us, was inspiring. We are honored to have been invited toparticipate and hope to work with Generation Citizen every year. We’ll definitely be there at the next Civics Day!

Barbara Gunderson