By Angela Andrews
What do interactive websites, citizens’ educational seminars, lawmaking simulations, internship and page programs and participation in NCSL’s Legislator Back to School program have in common?
They are all hallmarks of robust civic and democracy education programs, and they all have received the Kevin B. Harrington Award for Excellence in Democracy Education at some point.
Do you know of an individual or organization that should be recognized for their work in advancing the public’s understanding of state and/or local level representative democracy? Consider nominating them for the 2016 Kevin B. Harrington award!
This award is named after former Massachusetts Senate President Kevin B. Harrington. Harrington was the founding president of NCSL In 1975.
He was an educator by profession and, as president of the Massachusetts Senate (1971-1978), organized the Legislative Education Office, which is responsible for training for State House interns, the Citizens Legislative Seminar, and the NCSL Legislators Back to School program in Massachusetts. He was a leading advocate of civic education and of the role of government in promoting education of its citizens. Learn more about Harrington and the award.
The award’s selection criteria and access the nomination form are here. Self-nominations are encouraged and will be accepted. Eligible recipients include lawmakers, legislative staff, chamber or entire legislatures. Nominations may include other individuals or organizations with a clear record of activity advocating state and/or local efforts to promote representative democracy. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, May 13, 2016. The award will be presented at the 2016 Legislative Summit, Aug. 8-11 in Chicago.
Angela Andrews is a program principal in NCSL’s Legislative Management Program. She coordinates NCSL’s Legislator Back to School program and examines legislator’s citizen engagement activities.
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