Citizenship 101

I often reflect that my favorite part of the History Day program is its ability to help students develop the critical thinking skills that are necessary for good citizenship. This concept is central to the mission of National History Day: "The future of democracy depends on an inspired, thoughtful and informed citizenry. Historical understanding is crucial to that process. National History Day teaches essential historical literacy that motivates students to secure the future of democracy."

A large part of my experience with History Day as of late has been writing to our state legislators. In the past two weeks, I wrote every New York State Senator and Assemblymember, thanking them for remembering our program in the state budget last year. I also shared the names and schools of all the students in their districts who won awards and medals at the regional, state, or national competitions. This was no small feat; it took me several days to type out those individual sentences for each of the 212 letters.

Why did I do it? Firstly, the New York State History Day program is supported largely by a line item in the state budget. The funding is a great gift of our legislature, who see the value in the History Day program. However, we need to ask them to remember us every year in order to sustain our funding. Writing these letters is a key way for us to say, "Hey! Don't forget us! We're doing great things and we're worthy of some dollars!"

But more importantly, I did it because writing elected officials is a big part of being a good citizen. History Day is a cause I feel passionate about, and when I get an audience with a state Senator or one of New York's Representative's to Congress, I feel like I am making a difference. I am doing my part to keep America's democracy strong.

If you have never had a reason to write your local state Senator or Assembly member, I'd like to offer you an opportunity to do so now. Please consider calling, emailing, or writing a letter to your local elected official to let them know you are also passionate about History Day. I can write the statistics, but you have the compelling stories about how History Day has changed you or your students' lives. It will only take a few minutes, and it could make a huge difference for you, your student, your school, and for New York State History Day.

If you aren't sure who your state officials are, you can find them by typing in your zip code and address at www.congress.org. And please, send me a copy of your email or letter. I love reading your stories as much as the legislators do! You can contact me at any time at t.voigt@nysha.org or 607-547-1534. Thank you!!