The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Bar Foundation have teamed up to bring the importance of civics for young Hoosiers to the forefront.
The 40th edition of the “Here Is Your Indiana Government” book — previously published exclusively by the Indiana Chamber — is now complimentary via an electronic guide and specifically designed to help teach civics and government standards for grades 4 through 12.
The publication, which is still relevant for the general public and business community, is a resource to educate readers about the structure of Indiana government, according to a news release from the chamber. It includes nearly 250 pages of content, including charts, photos, historical information and interesting Indiana facts.
“We’re excited to bring back this staple of our publications division. Increasing civic engagement for all Hoosiers is one of the goals of the Indiana Chamber’s new long-range visioning plan for the state called Indiana Prosperity 2035,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the chamber.
“For decades, Indiana students have been educated through this book, and we’re pleased to make it even more impactful by meeting current educational standards regarding civics,” she said.
The overhaul of the publication coincides with a new state law now in effect that every middle school student must take one semester of civics education in advance of the high school government requirement.
Charles Dunlap, president and CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation, also discussed the book.
“This will be an outstanding tool for educators around the state to help learn and teach about state and local government. Hoosier students and educators are getting a top-notch resource to help better understand our government,” he said.
The pdf copy of the book can be downloaded at no cost at inbarfoundation.org/IndianaGovernmentBook.
Hard copies of the publication also will be available for sale at indianachamber.com/here. The book will be printed in March, and pre-orders are currently being taken.
The book is sponsored by Church Church Hittle and Antrim, Indiana Civics Coalition and the Indiana University Center for Representative Government.
The timing of the book also aligns with the deadline for young Hoosier students to take part in the first Indiana Civics Bee.
To do so, a student must submit a 500-word essay to a participating local chamber by Monday with their ideas for improving their community and showing their enthusiasm for civics.
The top three winners from each local event will advance to compete in the Indiana Civics Bee on Aug. 23 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The program is hosted by the Indiana Chamber and Indiana Department of Education. The state finalist winner will have the opportunity to compete this fall in Washington, D.C., at the National Civics Bee.