701 Civics

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

Did you know that, in North Dakota, people don't actually receive prescriptions for medical marijuana? If you didn't, you are not alone. We'll find the answers to a lot of questions surrounding medical marijuana in North Dakota.

On this episode, we visit with Jason Wahl, the Director for Medical Marijuana in North Dakota. It's an interesting conversation around a subject that many people have strong feelings about.

The episode covers a governor's mistake that almost cost the state $35 million, fights within political parties that left voters without representation, and why lawmakers want to build a new office building after 100 years. These stories teach us that democracy needs constant care and attention from regular citizens to keep working properly.

In this episode, we sit down with Arik Spencer, the CEO and President from the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), the state's premier non-partisan business advocacy organization. Joining us is Mallory Humann, the Program & Event Coordinator for GNDC to discuss the Civics Bee in North Dakota and why the GNDC is helping to sponsor the Bee.

The GNDC represents a diverse membership that includes small businesses, large corporations, sole proprietors, and trade associations, serving as a unifying voice for economic prosperity across North Dakota.

Listeners will learn how GNDC champions free-market principles, drives innovation through the North Dakota Manufacturing Council, and collaborates across sectors to ensure the state’s business climate remains the best in the nation. We’ll explore their mission, values, and vision for the future—highlighting their integrity, dedication, and commitment to shaping a thriving economy for all North Dakotans.

Whether you're a business owner, policymaker, or someone invested in the future of the state, this episode offers insight into how GNDC is catalyzing growth, fostering collaboration, and advocating for a stronger, more prosperous North Dakota.

GNDC website: https://www.ndchamber.com/

National Civics Bee State Finals for North Dakota: https://www.ndchamber.com/national-civics-bee-north-dakota-state-final

In this episode, we cover the final step in the process of following a bill to declare October 1st as 'North Dakota Constitution Day'.

In the first two installments, we followed the process of getting an idea turned into a bill, a committee meeting, and passage in the House of Representatives. Now, we see what takes place in the Senate, and discuss the outcome of the Senate vote.

North Dakota Legislature: https://ndlegis.gov/