“Buckeye Democracy:” Ohioans can amend their constitution by going directly to voters
Ours is one of 26 states with some form of “initiative” process that allows citizens, not just politicians, to propose and change laws.
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.
Government checks and balances: How the border wall pushes the limits
Our Founding Fathers designed "separation of powers" as a way to keep any single branch — executive, legislative, or judicial — from gaining too much power.
Civics Essential Game Hour: libraries host fun, fact-filled evenings with trivia and prizes
If you love trivia and Jeopardy, test your knowledge about local and national law. Join your neighbors at a participating library for an hour of friendly competition.
Civics Essential: How the 14th Amendment — and love — won gay couples the right to marry in America
Although marriage equality is the law of the land, there's still a long way to go since the groundbreaking Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Civics Essential: the path to citizenship and legal status for immigrants
For those who have fled to Ohio from other countries, becoming an official resident isn't always easy.
Civics Essential: Specialty courts provide treatment and services instead of jail time
Stephen Rangel was arrested 63 times before Stark County Judge Taryn Heath decided he was a good candidate for the new honor court for veterans and active duty service members. Four years later, Rangel is arrest free, drug free, and a volunteer mentor.
