Campus and Community Partnerships: Event Reflection
By Cameron Bell ('09)
On the morning of December 1st, five members of Stanford in Government's Campus and Community Partnerships (CCP) committee set out to the East Palo Alto Charter School. These SIG members led 45-minute civic education classes for two groups of 4th graders on "How a Bill Becomes a Law.
After general introductions, the students split into four groups to debate whether a California funding bill should support a music program, free breakfast, better technology, or smaller class sizes. The students served as mock Senators as they brainstormed talking points and discussed their ideas with the class at large. Compromises were made, votes were taken, and without even knowing it, the students learned the basics of United States lawmaking.
The one-day event was a huge success! For one, the increased teacher to student ratio (normally 1:26) allowed for a better learning environment. The SIG members noted how relieved the teachers felt by their assistance. Second, the students loved having real college students interact with them, especially Stanford students. The tone of the morning was very positive and upbeat. 
Because our government often fails to provide the structure for citizenship education, especially for immigrant children, the service seemed needed and valuable. Of the 52 students taught, virtually all were minority. CCP is looking to expand the program to other schools in the area and to design another class that brings in government officials to speak directly to students.
CCP is also hard at work in publishing a "Know Your Rights" brochure targeting East Palo Alto high school students. The brochure will feature easy-to-read bullet points on subjects ranging from drugs and alcohol to domestic abuse and skateboarding. After consulting with lawyers and community officials, CCP plans to produce the brochure by the end of the year.