A venture into local government
Want to learn how local government works by attending real government meetings, finding out where government gets its money, who makes decisions and more? Participate in the exciting program Youth Civics 101 (YC101) or Youth Civics Intro!
Youth Civics 101
At Youth Civics 101, students will attend government meetings, watch civics happen and experience it first-hand. Sessions include City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Board of Education, Mecklenburg County Courts, Charlotte Observer and Board of Elections.
Youth Civics 101 is ideal for 10th grade students in Civics & Economics class as well as all teens with an interest in government, law, civics and/or public service. Community service hours are available for completion of the course and providing feedback.
Pre-registration is required. Sessions are 6-8PM. Session dates and topics:
- March 9 - Charlotte Observer
- March 16 - Mecklenburg County Government
- March 22 - City of Charlotte Government
- March 30 - Board of Elections
- April 6 - Spring Break/No YC101
- April 13 - CMS Board of Education
- April 20 - Courthouse and Legal System
There is a one-time course fee of $20. This fee covers handouts and dinner each night.
To register, email the Kids Voting office with the student's name, school, grade and contact information. Questions? Contact Kids Voting (
info@kidsvoting.org or 704-343-6999). After you register, Kids Voting will send you information about the classes, locations and other information.
Youth Civics Introduction
Youth Civics Introduction is an exciting opportunity to learn the basics about local government and attend meetings where local officials make decisions that impact us every day!
Youth Civics Introduction is great for:
- High school students who want to visit a local government meeting for personal knowledge or school extra credit
- Scout and youth groups wanting to learn more about citizenship and civic life
- Students age 10 and up with their parents, together enjoying a visit to learn about local government
This opportunity is geared toward groups making a one-time visit to a local government meeting. Contact Kids Voting for details and scheduling information.
Learn more
You can also visit the kidsvoting.org homepage and sign up for our e-newsletter and Facebook page to receive information about YC101 registration, community service and other Kids Voting opportunities through the year.
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Winter 2009 class
The Winter 2009 class concluded on March 17. Participants are sharing feedback that will be used to enhance future YC101 classes. Thanks to all students, parents and leaders who were involved in YC101!
YC101 is open to all teens in the Charlotte area and is sponsored by Kids Voting and the League of Women Voters in partnership with local governments. The next class will start in February 2010 and meet weekly. Here is a sample schedule from the 2009 class. The schedule is determined by the local goverment calendar and will be available at the end of the year.
- February 17 - Mecklenburg County (6-8PM)
- February 23 - City of Charlotte (6-8PM)
- February 26 - Board of Elections (6-7:30PM)
- March 3 - Charlotte Observer (6-8PM)
- March 10 - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (6-8PM)
- March 17 - Courts and Legal System, and YC101 Closing (6-8:30PM)
Special thanks to instructors:
- City of Charlotte: Dennis Marstall
- Mecklenburg County: Joel Riddle
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: Chris Folk
- Courts: Charles Keller, Judge Albert Diaz
- Charlotte Observer: Jim Lamm, Rick Thames, Mary Newsom and Jim Morrill
Teacher Resources
Local government activities and lesson content are available for teacher use. Contact Kids Voting for information.
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