The Civics Bee: Inspiring Civic Knowledge and Engagement

The Civics Bee is an exciting and educational event co-hosted by the Bloomington, MN schools and the League of Women Voters of Bloomington. This annual competition is designed to inspire students to deepen their understanding of civic principles, engage in thoughtful discussions about democracy, and develop the skills necessary to become informed and active citizens.

What is the Civics Bee?

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Civics Bee is a dynamic competition that brings together students from Bloomington schools to test their knowledge of U.S. government, history, and civic responsibilities. Participants answer questions, solve problems, and engage in discussions that highlight the importance of active citizenship and informed voting. The event is structured to be both challenging and fun, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and collaborative learning.

Our Goals

The Civics Bee aims to:

  • Promote Civic Education: Enhance students' understanding of the American political system, the Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

  • Encourage Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze and discuss complex civic issues.

  • Foster Engagement: Inspire a lifelong interest in civic participation and public service among students.

  • Build Community: Strengthen the connection between students, schools, and the broader community through a shared commitment to civic education.

How It Works

The Civics Bee involves multiple rounds of competition, each focusing on different aspects of civic knowledge:

  1. Preliminary Rounds: Students participate in classroom and school-level competitions to qualify for the city-wide event.

  2. City-Wide Competition: Qualifying students from all Bloomington schools come together for a day of intense and engaging competition, answering questions posed by judges from the League of Women Voters and local educators.

  3. Awards and Recognition: Top performers are recognized with awards and certificates, celebrating their achievements and encouraging continued civic engagement.

Get Involved

The success of the Civics Bee depends on the enthusiastic support of our community. Here’s how you can participate:

  • Volunteer: Help organize and run the event, serve as a judge, or mentor students as they prepare for the competition.

  • Sponsor: Provide financial support or in-kind donations to help make the Civics Bee a memorable experience for all participants.

  • Attend: Join us on competition day to cheer on the students and celebrate their dedication to civic learning.

Group of Bloomington Middle School Students at the Civic Bee with Mayor Tim Busse

Why It Matters

In a rapidly changing world, a strong understanding of civic principles is more important than ever. The Civics Bee helps equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern democracy. By engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities, we prepare them to be thoughtful, informed, and active participants in our political system.

Join us in celebrating and supporting the Civics Bee, and help foster a brighter future for our community and our democracy. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at info@lwvBloomingtonMN.org. Together, we can inspire a new generation of engaged and informed citizens.