How many times have you opened the mail and got that letter from your clerk of court calling you for jury duty? What is it that makes people cringe when they get that letter? And do you really get a jury of your peers?

On this podcast, we look at the experience of the host and his recent experience as a potential juror. Spoiler - it was pretty interesting to be a part of the jury process.

North Dakota Courts Jury Duty Web Page:

https://www.ndcourts.gov/district-court/Jurors-Handbook

U.S. Courts Jury Duty Web Page:

https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/jury-service

In this interview, Kathleen Tweeten, the President of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, shares the history, mission, and current initiatives of the League. Topics include voting rights, civics education, election integrity, and ways to get involved in promoting democracy. Learn about their new initiatives and outreach, including their new, free, Legislative Guide for voters and classrooms.

League of Women Voters of North Dakota:

https://www.lwvnd.org/

LWVND Civics Curriculum:

https://www.lwvnd.org/curriculum

Resources for Teachers and Students:

https://www.lwvnd.org/students

How to Run for Office in North Dakota:

https://www.lwvnd.org/how-to-run

On this podcast, Garrett Anderson, North Dakota Boys State Deputy Director of Recruitment visits and lets us know the history, mission, and purpose of North Dakota Boys State, as well as how North Dakota high school Juniors can apply to participate in the program.

Discover how North Dakota Boys State educates young men about civics, leadership, and government through a hands-on, mock government experience. Learn about the program's history, application process, and the impact it has on participants' understanding of civic responsibilities.

N.D. Boys State Website:

https://sites.google.com/ndboysstate.org/northdakotaboysstate/home

N.D. Boys State Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ndboysstate/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Boys State

00:50 History and Sponsorship by the American Legion

03:14 Eligibility and Application Process

06:07 Website and How to Apply

06:22 Qualities Sought in Participants

07:40 First Day and Week Overview

09:50 Day-to-Day Schedule and Activities

11:07 Leadership Roles and Elections

13:34 Fostering Leadership and Diversity

15:19 Encouraging Civil Discourse and Respect

17:05 Educational Value Beyond Classroom Learning

19:13 Post-Program Impact and Civic Engagement

20:06 Participation Numbers and Future Goals

21:21 Deadlines and Application Tips

22:43 Support Team and Recruitment Efforts

24:10 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

This episode covers recent legislative and judicial developments in North Dakota, including special sessions, school funding initiatives, and judicial elections. It also provides some insights into state politics, legal processes, and upcoming changes in the judiciary.

Key Topics

• Special legislative sessions and their purpose
• School funding initiatives and constitutional measures
• North Dakota Supreme Court elections and judicial appointments
• Legislative turnover and term limits
• Legal challenges to constitutional amendments

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:56 Special Session Called to Address Federal Funding

02:01 Federal Funds and Rural Health Transformation Program

03:41 School Lunch Funding and Voter Initiatives

04:15 Constitutional Measures and Legislative Flexibility

05:14 Legislative Disagreements and Signature Gathering

06:07 Legislative Opportunities to Revisit Bills

06:43 Signature Collection and Ballot Measures

07:53 State Budget and Legacy Fund Usage

09:15 Judicial Elections and New Chief Justice

10:28 Role and Responsibilities of the Chief Justice

12:23 Court Case Processing and Case Load

13:37 North Dakota Supreme Court Caseload and Appeals

15:57 Upcoming Judicial Appointments and Resignations

20:35 Legislative Turnover and Retirement Trends

24:12 Term Limits and Legislative Experience

27:12 Legal Challenges to Constitutional Measures

29:04 Following Court Cases and Legal Proceedings

29:50 Summary and Final Thoughts

Links:

Current Supreme Court Justices:

https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court/justices

Legislative Council Newsletter:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/newsletter/newsletter012726.pdf

In this episode, Bryan interviews Jennifer Kallenbach, a dedicated social studies teacher and the state coordinator for the We the People program in North Dakota. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Wisconsin to teaching in North Dakota, emphasizing the importance of civics education in fostering informed and engaged citizens. The We the People program, initiated in the 1980s, aims to enhance students' understanding of democracy and civic participation through a structured curriculum that includes a textbook and a simulated congressional hearing competition. Jennifer highlights the program's focus on developing critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills among students, which are essential for active participation in democracy.

Jennifer elaborates on the various ways teachers can implement the We the People curriculum, whether as a supplement to existing classes or as a standalone program. She discusses the professional development opportunities available for teachers, including the We the People Summer Teacher Institute, which provides resources and training to enhance their teaching methods. The conversation also touches on the impact of the program on students, with examples of former participants who have gone on to pursue careers in law and public service. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of civics education in empowering the next generation to engage meaningfully in their communities and government.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to We the People and Jennifer Kallenbach

01:02 Overview of the We the People Program

02:17 Importance of Civics Education Today

03:18 Academic Skills Developed Through Participation

05:03 Implementation in Classrooms

06:07 Impact on Students and Engagement

08:27 Professional Development for Teachers

09:55 Funding and Support for the Program

11:25 Challenges for New Teachers

12:58 Focus on Primary Source Documents

13:59 State Competition Overview

17:48 Participation and Awards in State Competition

19:32 Resources and Accessibility of Textbooks

21:00 Community Involvement and Support

22:48 Future Opportunities for We the People

24:41 How to Get Involved and Contact Information

https://www.thestudynd.org/civic-education

We the People - Center for Civic Education:

https://civiced.org/we-the-people

In this enlightening conversation, Brad Hawk, the Executive Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, discusses the commission's role as a liaison between tribal nations and state government. He shares insights on the commission's responsibilities, communication strategies, and initiatives aimed at education and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the commission, including misconceptions about its role, and the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term issues affecting tribal communities. Hawk emphasizes the need for collaboration and communication to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for Native communities in North Dakota.

ND Indian Affairs Commission

https://www.indianaffairs.nd.gov/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission

02:06 The Role and Responsibilities of the Commission

06:00 Communication Strategies and Government Relations

08:47 Education Initiatives and Community Engagement

10:48 Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Issues

12:45 Emergency Response and Food Sovereignty

14:57 Misconceptions About the Commission

17:12 Cultural Education and Preservation

18:35 Opportunities for Native Youth

20:10 Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

22:08 Future Vision for the Commission

Episode Takeaways

• The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission serves as a liaison between tribal nations and state government.
• The commission focuses on communication and education to improve relationships with legislators.
• Emergency response and food sovereignty are critical issues for tribal communities.
• Education initiatives include teaching Native American history in schools.
• The commission aims to empower Native youth through workforce development and leadership opportunities.
• Misconceptions about the commission often arise from confusion with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• Cultural preservation efforts are supported through partnerships with tribal historic preservation offices.
• The commission is working to address immediate issues while planning for long-term solutions.
• Regular meetings with state agencies help to coordinate efforts and address community needs.
• The future vision includes enhancing communication and collaboration with tribal governments.

In this conversation, Nathan Rivard, a Public Affairs Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, discusses the structure, missions, and community impact of the National Guard. He explains the dual role of the Guard in serving both state and federal needs, the variety of missions they undertake, and the diverse job roles available within the organization. Rivard also highlights the training that Guard members undergo, the importance of coordination with local emergency services, and the benefits of joining the National Guard, particularly for young people considering their career options. He addresses common misconceptions about the Guard and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and understanding the role of service members.

https://www.ndguard.nd.gov/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota National Guard

01:51 Understanding the Structure of the National Guard

04:21 Dual Mission: State and Federal Responsibilities

06:21 Common State Missions and Emergency Responses

08:26 Federal Deployments and Missions

10:15 Guard Membership and Locations in North Dakota

11:08 Diverse Specialties and Job Roles

12:35 Coordination with Local Emergency Services

14:27 Training for Diverse Missions

15:53 Typical Drill Weekend Activities

17:46 Evolution of the National Guard's Role

19:41 Benefits of Joining the National Guard

22:41 Civic Duty and Community Impact

24:43 Misconceptions About the National Guard

27:01 Engaging with the Community and Educators

28:27 Key Takeaways About the National Guard

As the United States gears up for the monumental 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, North Dakota is preparing to celebrate its unique story and contributions to American history through the ND250 initiative. This comprehensive program aims to unite communities across the state in a celebration that reflects North Dakota's rich heritage and invites everyone to participate in this historic event.

Melissa Klocke, the ND 250 Coordinator discusses opportunities for citizens and organizations across the state of North Dakota.

ND250 Website:

https://www.nd.gov/north-dakotas-celebration-americas-250th

America 250 Website:

https://america250.org/

ND250 Community Initiatives Grant – School Field Trip Opportunity

https://www.nd.gov/news/nd250-community-initiatives-grant-school-field-trip-opportunity

North Dakota Social Studies teacher Amber Severson discusses her experiences being selected by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to participate in professional development that is geared for rural educators. She emphasizes the need for students to engage in respectful, civil dialogue while recognizing the legal frameworks that govern political beliefs.

National Constitution Center Site:

https://constitutioncenter.org/museum/coming-soon?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22856715802&gbraid=0AAAAADJbFsAIEtyWVgsTucmNAj4XWRm9g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmYzIBhC6ARIsAHA3IkRgoZ8EOHilfJRdEg9e12Y0FRPljbBoWndEQRmHLv7dzffw0HJUA9MaAmzKEALw_wcB

Teacher Weekend Workshops Information:

https://constitutioncenter.org/education/professional-learning-opportunities/weekend-workshops

Civil Dialogue Lesso Plan:

https://constitutioncenter.org/education/constitution-101-curriculum/1.constitutional-conversations-and-civil-dialogue

Have you ever wondered why you get called to jury duty so frequently? Or why a judge appears to have given an extra-lenient sentence to a person convicted of a serious crime?

On this episode, I visit with the Sally Holewa, the North Dakota State Court Administrator. Ms. Holewa has spent her entire career in courts, from Minnesota to North Dakota, and in 2022 received the Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

North Dakota State Court Website: https://www.ndcourts.gov

N.D. Courts Legal Self Help Center: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help