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Civic Education
Building Citizenship in the Community:
Back to Basics
The Florida League of Cities has developed several educational programs with the goal of increasing Floridians' understanding of city governments and the services they provide. This page contains links to the League's civic education publications and program information as well as to additional civic education resources. Also included are press releases and articles regarding League President Carmine Priore's civic education initiative. President Priore recently sent a letter to all cities encouraging them to adopt a resolution in support of this initiative. Please contact the Membership Development Department for additional information.
The focus of programs to date has been K-12 civics education. If you are a teacher, please click here for state civics education requirements as well as a list describing the League's educational materials.
While most of the programs are geared primarily to the school setting, city officials are encouraged to promote them to their local schools as they will help students and teachers develop a better understanding of their city's functions and services.
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Civic Education Publications
ABCs of City Government
This publication provides basic information about city government, as well as suggested student activities and student questions. It is geared toward students in grades 2 - 5. The ABCs book is available online or in print.
Florida Municipal Officials' Manual
This manual is intended as a reference on common topics of municipal government for use by municipal officials, both elected and appointed. We believe that newly elected mayors and council members will find it a handy reference, as will the appointed administrator and/or clerk who may be unfamiliar with Florida statutes governing particular municipal affairs. The manual is available online or in print.
"Getting to Know Your Florida Cities" Training DVD
This training tool was developed to help citizens, the media, civic organizations, schools and others learn more about municipal governments in the Sunshine State. Click here to view the text of the DVD chapters or e-mail the Public Affairs staff to obtain a copy.
A Guide for Creating a Citizens' Academy
Citizens’ academies are an excellent way to educate residents, build positive relationships and increase communication between city government officials and citizens, as well as inspire future municipal leaders. The guide booklet is available online or in print.
A Guide for Creating a City Youth Council
Youth councils are composed of students to serve as an advisory board to the city commission/council. While many Florida cities already have youth councils, this document was created to serve as a “road map” for others wanting to start a similar program. The guide booklet is available online or in print.
"My City: I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It!"
This publication includes five lessons, facts on Florida cities, a local government vocabulary, and a civic review on city government in Florida. The My City book is available online or in print.
Palm Beach County History and Civics
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County, School District of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Post, and other historical organizations partnered to develop a Palm Beach County History and Civics Program as part of a larger civics/social studies curriculum for 7th grade. The tabloid, printed by the Palm Beach Post, covers the geography of Palm Beach County, Native Americans, pioneer era, transportation, agriculture, pre and post World War II to the present, the diverse multicultural groups in Palm Beach County, and civics. A teacher's guide is available from the Historical Society's Web site on CD or in print. This program meets Florida's Sunshine State Standards.
Civic Education Programs
Florida City Government Week
This annual event is held in October and serves to highlight the crucial role played by city government in the lives of its residents. The week provides a special time to teach about municipal government issues and to develop city-school partnership programs. For additional information on the 2009 Florida City Government Week (October 18 - 24), click here or e-mail the Public Affairs staff.
Municipal Brain Bowl
The Florida League of Cities launched its inaugural “Municipal Brain Bowl” in conjunction with Florida City Government Week on October 21, 2008, at the City of Tallahassee Commission Chambers. The brain bowl was designed to engage citizens, specifically students, in learning about the function and purpose of municipal government. The event raised public awareness about the services cities perform and educated the public on the function of city government.
The competition was passionate as middle and high school students demonstrated their knowledge of terms like municipal Home Rule, local-option sales tax, zoning, intergovernmental, homestead exemption and city hall. The experience was extraordinary as students sat in the chairs that Tallahassee Commissioners sit in during official commission meetings. Browse our Municipal Brain Bowl Gallery to view photos from the event. Video Clip.
If you would like more information on the brain bowl or how to begin planning an event like this in your city, please contact the Public Affairs Division.
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Civic Education Resources
City-School Partnership Programs
How do you go about beginning a city-partnership program? We’ve included a list of city-school partnership ideas that can be modified for various grade levels.
City Trivia
Florida is a state rich in diversity, and each municipality brings its own special flavor. Click here to discover interesting tidbits about Florida's cities.
Florida State Government Electorate Chart
This chart, updated in November 2006, explains the organization and separation of powers within Florida's state government. Click here to download a PDF version of the chart.
Home Rule: Understanding Florida’s Home Rule Powers for Cities and Counties
This article explains Home Rule, its history and application.
Local Government Vocabulary
A list of common local government words and terms.
Promoting Youth Engagement Through Youth Councils: Tips for Getting Started
Many cities are discovering that when they set up youth councils and offer other meaningful leadership opportunities, young people want to be involved and will recruit their peers to join them. This article suggests ways to begin the process.
Responsibilities and Roles of a Council
The broad powers and duties of mayors and council members are identified in the municipal charter, but this document gives some details of the most common work of municipal leaders. Click here to read about the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councilmembers in Florida.
A Quick Civic Review
This article provides a “quick review” of city government in Florida. Do you know the population and name of the smallest city in Florida, or the largest? Click here to find out.
What Do I Really Need to Know as an Elected Official?
This article will tell you. Topics of discussion include the major information and documents that you as an elected official will need to know or know how to access for answers.
Civic Education Intiative Press Pieces
Senator Bob Graham, former Congressman Lou Frey, and Florida League of Cities Donate to Promote Civics Education
The Florida League of Cities joined with former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham and former Congressman Lou Frey, in November, to deliver a significant donation to promote civics education in Florida schools and communities. The League donated $25,000 to the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship to strengthen civic education in Florida. Full article. Video Clip.
Cabinet Proclamation Kicks Off Push for Civics Education by Florida League of Cities
Click on the following link to view a video clip of the September 30, 2008 event.
Priore Wants Civics Focus with League (Wellington Crier, Don Brown, October 3, 2008)
Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore has been a go-to guy since before the village even became a municipality some 12 years ago. His influence was considerably expanded last month when he became president of the powerful Florida League of Cities. Full article.
Civility in Government Information and Resources
What is meant by “civility” and what does it have to do with city governments? The members of the Florida League of Cities have a long tradition of striving to treat public servants - elected and appointed - with respect for the office they hold and the people they represent. As part of the civic education initiative, the League is focusing on helping our members to reach out to citizens on these issues, including the topic of civility.
Ethics in Government Information and Resources
Florida's ethics laws are among the strongest, and most tested, in the nation. Another prong in the League's civic education initiative, ethics information is provided on these laws, resources available to local government officials and staff, and also information on ethics training.
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