On Tuesday, Feb. 11, community organizers from the League of Women Voters of Pensacola Bay Area, Escambia County Democratic Party, Earth Action, Northwest Florida Panhandle Coalition for Civic Engagement, and Movement for Change introduced the six-session course “Community Forum: Civics Education and Engagement” at a press conference held at the Escambia County Central Government Office in downtown Pensacola.
“Democracy thrives, and communities are informed, engaged and empowered,” said Mary Gutierrez of Earth Action. “The Community Forum Civic Education and Engagement series aims to inspire action and deepen understanding of the democratic processes. This forum will provide a platform to explore understanding government structures, rights and responsibilities and how it empowers individuals to make a difference in their communities.”
Experts, educators, and community leaders will discuss practical strategies for increasing civic knowledge, fostering constructive dialogue, and encouraging involvement in local and national decision-making. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or concerned citizen, these events will equip you with the tools and inspiration to engage meaningfully in civic life.
Dr. Paula Montgomery of the League of Women Voters noted that her organization doesn’t support candidates but does support voting.
“We support taking part in the government,” she said. “We look on voting as our nation’s citizens’ superpower to get the government that we want, the government of the people by the people and for the people now to be affected. This voting must be done by an educated electorate. Our citizens must understand how the government works and the responsibilities that accompany the right to vote. These six classes, which are starting this month, give people an understanding of how it all works and how important their individual roles are. The government that we get is the one that we vote for.”
- Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. at Overflow Health Alliance Pensacola, 3101 N Davis Highway. The dates for the sessions are February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1. Interested parties can RSVP to earthethicsaction@gmail.com. Sessions include: Our Government, U.S. Constitution, Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, Civic Engagement and Influencing the Government, and Voting and Elections.
Derek Scott, the Escambia County Democratic Party chairman, noted, “Civic engagement, the act of participation in our communities and government, is the lifeblood of our democracy. It is through civic engagement that we exercise our voice and our influence, whether by voting, attending town hall meetings, volunteering, or participating in community organizations. When we engage civically, we not only contribute to the betterment of our society, but we also strengthen the bonds that unite us.”
He later added, “I’m grateful for the League of Women Voters Pensacola Bay, Earth Action, Northwest Florida Panhandle Coalition for Civic Engagement, Movement for Change Escambia County Democratic Party for understanding that civics and engaging civically are not near academic exercises. They’re essential components of a thriving democracy. By embracing our roles as informed and active citizens, we can shape the future of our communities and our nation.”
