Keeping government honest: Know your rights when requesting public records
Not all elected officials — particularly those on the local level — realize that citizens have access to how they conduct business.
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.
“Dark Waters” in Ohio: Our rich natural resources are under threat from industry and farms
Environmental activists hope the new movie will draw attention to the increasing dangers from both industrial and agricultural sources that are threatening the state's water resources.
Don’t count yourself out: Why every Ohio household needs to respond to the 2020 Census
Results help decide how federal and state funds are distributed, determine the number of electoral college votes we get, and how many representatives Ohio will have.
One toke over the line? Clearing the air on Ohio’s marijuana laws
Recent changes in state and local laws have created confusion around what constitutes an arrestable offense.
Breezing from bill to law: An advocacy group smoothed the path for cleaning up Ohio’s brownfields
Two years ago, the Greater Ohio Policy Center partnered with regional experts to craft and promote House Bill 168, allowing private companies to redevelop blighted properties.
Making every vote count: Ohio seeks a fairer way to map congressional districts
In 2021, the state will implement a new system to help curb the worst excesses of gerrymandering.
By the people: How Ohio citizens better their communities through direct action
Under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, all powers not given to the federal government are given to the people or the states.
Civics Essential: A look back at trivia competitions across the state, plus a summer reading list
The inaugural year of Civics Essential came to a close last month with the season's final game hour at Delaware Main Library, but we rounded up a summer reading — and watching — list to keep you engaged until phase two of the series begins next month.
An early adapter of women’s voting rights, Ohio lags behind nation in women’s political leadership
Since the ratification of the 19th Amendment 100 years ago, women have made great strides in the political arena. But there's still a long way to go.
Government A-OK: Ohio’s system of checks and balances avoids many federal pitfalls
Citizens demand more efficiency from state government than federal, which leads to effective problem solving.
