History Museum on the Square connects youth with local leaders in discussion next week
Introducing youth to local government and community leaders is at the heart of an upcoming event at the History Museum on the Square. Part of the museum's Civics on the Square: Civics Summer Series, the "Meet Your Springfield Leaders" event will bring together local leaders in a panel discussion and a Q&A session.
The event Saturday, June 8, at the Historic Fox Theatre will bring together Mayor Ken McClure, Councilman Matt Simpson, Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Grenita Lathan, Leadership Springfield Executive Director Carrie Richardson and Winter Kinne, president and CEO of Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the discussion begins at 10 a.m., with Q&A for youth to follow. Youth participants 17-and-under are free to enter but must pre-register while adult tickets are $5. Tickets are available on the History Museum website.
This is not a drop-off event, all chaperones must stay for the duration of the event.
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"There is something in all of us that can encourage us to rise to the occasion and take the lead," Jill Hodge, civics education coordinator at the museum, said in a news release. "Meet Your Springfield Leaders will allow every child to realize they have a future leader inside them waiting for the right opportunity to ignite that spark."
The Civics Summer Series includes monthly events on one of the four pillars of democracy: citizenship, leadership, service and legacy. Upcoming series events include Community Service Fair on the Square on July 13 and Leaving a Legacy: Downtown Walking Tour on Aug. 17.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield leaders share perspective on local civics at youth event
