New Program: The Democracy Project

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Thanks to support from The Charles Engelhard Foundation, Humanities Montana is launching The Democracy Project, a new program based on the inspiring work of The Los Angeles Public Library Foundation. The program connects teens to their libraries where they design projects and work with adults who teach them to navigate our civic systems and empower them to effect change. We will be hiring for two part-time community organizer positions, one in Billings and one in Missoula.

In early 2020, Humanities Montana will begin The Democracy Project in four locations across Montana—Billings, Roundup, Missoula, and Seeley Lake. The program will expand teen civic participation; empower teens to know their role in an evolving democracy; increase knowledge of how government works; and nurture skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, information literacy, leadership, initiative, and productivity.

These goals of engaging youth to think critically, involve themselves with their communities, and share tools that will empower them as citizens are at the heart of both Humanities Montana’s and libraries’ missions. In addition, Humanities Montana prioritizes a wide geographical reach in rural and urban locations.

Local community organizers will be hired in each location to work with Humanities Montana and urban/rural librarians. These organizers help teen groups identify their projects and move them beyond community service toward civic engagement. The full position description is available here. Applications accepted until December 15.