Ohio Civics Essential

Ohio Civics Essential was created to improve the civics knowledge of Ohio adults and published from July 2018 – July 2021. Civics Essential is a multimedia program which includes relevant feature stories, resource guides, in person and virtual learning tools, quizzes and surveys, plus virtual panel events. The series has reached over 3.8 million people with over 48,000 engagements. Find the series in Ohio Issue Media Group publications Soapbox Cincinnati, Fresh Water Cleveland and Hub Springfield. The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) awarded their first strategic grant initiative to raise the civics knowledge of adult Ohioans to Issue Media Group (IMG), through Cincinnati Development Fund acting as our fiscal agent.  We appreciate the Ohio State Bar Foundation for the support to make this series possible; for our outstanding volunteer editorial advisory that met regularly over 3 years; and for the scholars, legal experts, active and retired lawyers, judges, and nonprofit professionals who participated and continue to advocate for civic education, participation, and engagement. Press Club of Cleveland’s 2022 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards recognized Civics Essential contributing writer Bob Sandrick who covered challenging topics in year three of the Ohio Civics Essential series that continue at the top of the headlines today. He earned 2nd place for Analysis, a category competition that “displays fine examples of work diving deep into important topics. They demonstrate commitments to providing service for their communities.” The judges commented “This collection of reports analyzes such vital issues as justice reform and the electoral college. Details from numerous sources help deliver solid work that informs the public.” Sandrick’s work was additionally recognized by the Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter 2022 Excellence in Journalism for the Written Communication awards for Government and Community Issues Reporting.

Yvette McGee Brown

Civics Essential: What do judges do and why is it important?

Due to lack of information, some voters, while choosing candidates for the executive and legislative branches on their ballots, skip judicial races. Here's why you don't want to do that, plus ways to learn about judges around the state.

Answers to Civics Essential quiz: What do judges do and why is it important?
Brittany York lead the Civics Essential trivia series.
A virtual pivot: Year two of Civics Essential ends with online game nights

Initially, trivia events were supposed to take place at 14 libraries across Ohio. Stay-at-home orders brought those plans to a halt, but the resulting platform was still a success.

Brittany York lead the Civics Essential trivia series.
Ohio Civics Essential launches Virtual Games; use your Jeopardy and civics knowledge to win prizes

At a time when knowledge of how government works may be most important, Issue Media Group launches an online game event to engage and educate the public-at-large.

Answers for resources for returning offenders quiz
A helping hand, not a handout: Ohio offers resources for offenders returning to their communities

One-third of the 6,000 prisoners released each year will return to jail. Across the state, organizations and nonprofits are trying to change that.

Coronavirus and the law: what you should know about Ohio’s stay-at-home-order

The U.S. Constitution gives the states all powers not given specifically to the federal government. Those state powers include law enforcement and protecting the public health, which is why states have had the final say in lockdown measures during the pandemic.

Answers for Civics Essential quiz: coronavirus and the law
Answers for Civics Essential quiz: Agreeing to disagree
Answers for Civics Essential Quiz: Keeping government honest

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