The 2012 National Conference of NCSS held in Seattle, Washington was a powerful and multi-faceted professional gathering held November 15-18 at the Washington State Conference Center. The diversity of clinics and workshops offered was impressive, with something for every level and every area of the Social Studies. However, there were specific highlights that should be noted:
- Advocacy – a major session was held on Thursday dealing with the need for our consistent advocacy with local, state, and national legislators about the state of Social Studies and Civic Education. In short, the need to be consistent, persistent, and clear with our message has never been greater. We need to draft letters to state and national legislators, follow up with face-to-face meetings or phone calls, and to not let that communication be a one time effort. Include the governor’s office as well. Do not be reluctant to promote the good things we do and invite legislators to attend (Model UNs? History Day competition? Debates? History Honor Society inductions?). The more they hear the message, the more likely they are to support the cause.
- JUST ONE! Membership Drive – nationwide for NCSS and statewide for MCSS, the need to increase membership and therefore strengthen our voice has never been greater. There is a uniform program here for JUST ONE! In which each member of MCSS and/or NCSS pledges to recruit JUST ONE new member. Make this a pledge to yourself and follow through. This is not about finances (yes, that is an impact) as much as it is for the issue of Social Studies education. We need as many voices as possible state and nation wide and the JUST ONE! Program is our first best step.
- House of Delegates (HoD) Business:
HoD emphasized the Goals of the organization and the need for all members and affiliated councils to be devoted to the goals, which are:
- Be the leading resource for professionals
- Advocacy – be the voice and shape education policy state and nation wide
- Membership – enhance and maintain membership in all council levels
- Promote Civic Education and Lifetime Citizenry
- Keep Social Studies recognized as a core area of study
- Enhance the role of all pre-service teachers (student teachers, education majors)
- Promote the frameworks for state standards in Social Studies
- HoD Resolutions
• Resolution 1 – Bullying
NCSS support the efforts of educators, govts, state & local councils, et al by publicizing anti-bullying policies, enforcements, and prevention programs via available media and encourage locals to do the same (present info, programs, and lesson plans that assist in this effort) APPROVED unanimously
• Resolution 2 – Support a Legislative Liaison in each NCSS affiliated state council
NCSS consider creation of a legislative liaison (and encourage states to do the same). APPROVED 74-42
• Resolution 3 – Citizenship for the 21st Century
NCSS continue to collaborate w/ Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Civic Mission of Schools and other germane organizations to explore and address appropriate educational issues; future SS content standards reflect the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the exploration of how civic learning is key to 21st century skills, and that NCSS publicize the ongoing efforts through all possible media. APPROVED 71 – 42
- Boston NCSS Conference – November 2014
The planning has already begun for the NCSS Conference at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston for 2014. The theme is most appropriate for a Boston setting: “Let Freedom Ring…Civic Education in Our Schools”. The initial meeting found us brainstorming ideas for speakers, tours, reception sites, and of course the need for a major volunteer effort in many areas (registration, workshop selection, hospitality, tickets, etc.). We want the conference to be reflective of Boston and its history and social demographic, and we are proud and excited to be hosting the conference. There are no attendance numbers for the Seattle conference available as yet, but it was very well attended (in the 1000s, not in the 100s) and the Boston conference is expected to have a greater attendance because of its location/setting.
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