digital sarah art joy

process list: civics study group

civics study group

The state of the USA is absolutely bonkers right now. As an American, I find myself feeling hopeless and helpless a lot lately, and beyond both of those, I feel so damn clueless. I barely remember the things I learned in my Civics and Government classes from school. I couldn't tell you how our government is supposed to work, so how can I expect myself to be helpful in making things better? I don't need to be an expert, but there is a certain level of knowledge that I think will give me the confidence and enthusiastic willingness to contribute. This study group is my attempt to get there, as well as my attempt to encourage other people to expand their civic education so they feel empowered to engage, too.

the idea

To start: a YouTube channel where I post videos that are 50% study with me and 50% sharing what I learned. Kind of like pomodoro study videos, but with a mini-podcast at the end where I shared what I learned, and what I want to do with that knowledge. I want to use this solo time to refine the structure of the sessions. To expand: the same video style, but with up to 3 guests, all studying whatever civic topics interest them and then sharing their learnings. Pie in the sky: host IRL study group sessions at various libraries around town. Break larger groups into groups of up to four people, folks study their own interests and then share what they learned.

initial structure thoughts

  1. share the topic you plan on studying
  2. study for 60 minutes (15 finding resources, 45 reading)
  3. share interesting things you've learned and an action you want to do with what you've learned:
    • write at least 5 questions that you still have to continue learning (questions)
    • write an annotated bibliography of the resources you looked at (annotations)
    • make something to solidify understanding (art, a zine, write something) (creations)
    • write to your representative about a related issue (representation)
    • find a local group that does work in that area and volunteer or donate (donations)

process list

task log

10/27 ~2pm

#planned #process list