Georgia officials are examining ways to get residents informed and involved in their local governments – and want to start at a younger age.
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan this week named the first three members of the Commission on Civics Education, which was formed via SB 220, the “The Georgia Civics Renewal Act,” passed earlier this year.
Those members – Sens. Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas), Chuck Payne (R – Dalton), and Freddie Powell Sims (D – Dawson), are the first three appointments to an eventual 17-member commission, tasked with studying how to better “promote civic engagement” and enhance Georgia’s K-12 curriculum surrounding public service.
Gov. Brian Kemp still must appoint a chairperson for the committee, which will be joined by several members of the state House of Representatives and additional appointees from various judicial, education, business and nonprofit entities.
When complete, the commission will meet several times over the rest of the year before presenting findings ahead of the 2023 legislative session.
Currently Georgia students take a one semester U.S. Government/civics course, with no civics exam required to graduate. Twenty states have a civics exam requirement, with Georgia not among them. Some states have a community service requirement – Georgia does not, but does offer some type of academic credit for community service.
Duncan won’t be around to see the findings of the commission, but says he supports its efforts to push civics education in the state.
“Having a comprehensive understanding of governmental operations and the importance of civic duty is a foundational component of building a well-informed society,” said Duncan. “I was proud to support the creation of this critical commission and look forward to seeing how their initiatives aid in preparing Georgia’s next generation of leaders.”
