WHY CIVICS?

The Greater Wausau Chamber of Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, economy, and workforce and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Wisconsin and celebrating our civic pride.

ESSAY TOPIC

Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay that includes the following:

• What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
• What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
• What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?
• What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
• How might your community or neighborhood members bring your idea or recommendation to life?

JUDGING CRITERIA

Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:

• Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
• Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.
• Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.
• Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.
• Clearly describe an idea that is innovative or new to you.

HOW TO ENTER

Any sixth, seventh or eighth grade student residing in Wisconsin with an idea about using civics to improve their community may review the rules and submit an essay application. The application period has been extended and now closes on February 19, 2024.