Page 19 - ACTL Journal Win24

She’s been involved in this area since she was a trial court judge and believes it’s im- portant to start this process early, getting students involved at a young age. That’s why the court started the Civic Learning Initiative, an endeavor that she has per- sonally participated in and is proud to continue to support.
One part of their Civic Learning Initiative is the statewide Civic Learning Awards Program. The program encourages stu- dents in K through 12 public schools to share how their school promotes civ- ic opportunities for students inside the classroom, as well as in their communi- ties. So far they have over 300 schools in thirty counties who have received a Civic Learning Award.
Another component of the Civil Learn- ing Initiative is the Judges in the Classroom Program. The program encourages teach- ers to invite judges to their classrooms, which can either be in person or virtu- ally, and engage their students in civics lessons. Examples of some of the topics include the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, voting rights, and historical mile- stones in the making of our democracy. And for younger students (her favorite), there is No Animals Allowed. This pro- gram requires students to engage in in- terpretation of a local ordinance and they have very cute and great answers; some- times better than some of the attorneys!
The Chief shared a recent story from one of her own outreach engagements where she visited an elementary school. The students were gathered for a Power of Democracy program and were learning about the three branches of government, focused on the judicial branch and the rule of law.
Before she got there, one of the students – a student who didn’t speak English and had to have one of his classmates translate for him – was told that someone like him was now Chief Justice of California. The Chief Justice and the student were introduced and had an opportunity to talk. Seeing her made the lesson concrete for the student. For that young stu- dent and for others like him, she believes it matters that they can see some of themselves in the members of our courts. She also encouraged him to be a lawyer – perhaps she did not convince him, but who knows. For her, it’s the personal touch and those interactions that are so important.
Finally, the Chief Justice asked that w continue to promote the professional and ethical practice of law, continue practicing law with integrity and civility, and continue to promote civics education so the public under- stands and appreciates how our justice system works.
The Chief Justice looks forward to doing her part alongside all of us in the many years to come and hopes that we all enjoyed our time in San Diego.
Virginia C. Nelson San Diego, CA
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During the last school year, 223 bench officers volunteered for Judges in the Classroom and connected with 161 classrooms in twenty-two counties.
Her second civics education priority also occurs during the Judges in the Classroom program when she stands in front of the students, looks them in the eye and tells them:
I am just like you; I remember being in public schools with supportive teachers like yours.
My story is like so many others, I stand on the shoulders of my parents and grandparents who sacrificed to provide more opportunities for me to have the privilege to pursue the American Dream. You too, can fol- low your dreams. With hard work, perseverance and taking advantage of opportunities, anything is possible.