FARGO – The League of Women Voters of North Dakota (LWVND) has announced the launch of the new “Guide to the State Legislative Branch” to engage junior high and high school students and the general public in the state lawmaking process. This initiative aims to bridge the civic knowledge gap and foster a deeper understanding of our state government, LWVND stated in making the announcement.

Along with the guide, LWVND also released a companion guide for North Dakota teachers with classroom activities, discussion questions and worksheets. This classroom guide will equip educators to teach about the state lawmaking process, so students can engage along the way during the legislative session and understand how they can take part in the lawmaking process.

“At the League, we’re passionate about making it easier for North Dakotans to engage in all levels of government,” said Kathy Tweeten, LWVND president. “By engaging students in the lawmaking process, we’re investing in their civic knowledge for a lifetime of participation.”

“A year ago a rural high school social studies teacher told me they didn’t have access to lesson plans about the legislative session and had to create their own,” said Whitney Oxendahl, LWVND voter engagement volunteer, who developed the curriculum. “These North Dakota-specific resources will prepare students and the general public to contact their legislators, track bills and take action on issues they care about.”

These guides are first in the installment of curriculum for North Dakota classrooms. The League of Women Voters reports it aims to create more resources that can assist educators in teaching about the state government, including guides and videos.