Business — and Civics — Go Back To School
In the heart of the Midwest, a bipartisan movement to improve civic knowledge and engagement is growing, and the need is clear.
The 2021 Indiana Civic Health Index ranks the state among the bottom nationally in both voter registration and voter turnout. That same year, Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill requiring a civic education class for Hoosier sixth graders beginning with the upcoming 2023–24 academic year.
On August 9th, the bill’s author — former state legislator, school superintendent, and government teacher Tony Cook — joined BFA Indiana to talk about how Indiana businesses large and small can support civics education offerings in their local schools and school districts.
Cook is a retired school superintendent best known for welcoming young AIDS patient Ryan White to Hamilton Heights High School in 1987. From 2014 to 2022, he served as a Republican legislator in the Indiana House of Representatives, representing all of Tipton County and parts of five other counties. During his time in the statehouse, he was vice chair of the education committee.
“I know in my own community, businesses want to be involved to support schools,” said Cook. “There are things that they can do whether it be financial support, staff development, and resources and materials that teachers are trying to secure right now.”
He made the case that no matter which state you’re in, there are easy ways your business can support and uplift civic education.
It all starts with a phone call to the superintendent’s office to let them know you are available and a resource. As Cook said, “It really is as simple as just calling up the local school, principal, or district office and saying ‘Hey, we want to help.’”
Among the areas he went on to suggest businesses could be of assistance:
- Supplies and Materials. Bridge the financial gap teachers face yearly by providing resources for books and materials related to civics.
- Guest Speakers. Encourage your employees to visit classrooms and share their own civic and voting experiences to inspire student community participation.
- Educational Tours. Facilitate trips for students to local government offices or to your own businesses, showing the real-world application of civic principles.
- Host Civic Events. Organize or sponsor school events like mock elections, debates, or civic awareness workshops.
- Provide Facilities. Host off-site teacher training at your office to equip them with the latest methods and tools in an uninterrupted environment.
The event was hosted by Business for America as part of the newly formed Indiana Business Alliance for Civics (IBAC). Operating under the umbrella of the Indiana Civics Coalition, IBAC helps Hoosier businesses speak out in support of K–12 civic education, promote civic knowledge among the state’s workforce, and highlight the economic reasons for investing in civic education.
Nathan Gotsch, BFA Indiana state director closed the session saying, “The future of our nation rests in the hands of our youth. It’s our shared responsibility — schools, communities, and businesses alike — to ensure they’re well-prepared to steer our democracy forward.”
We invite Indiana businesses, business groups, and individual business leaders to join the alliance at bfa.us/indiana. Questions before you join? Contact us.
