COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 20

April 29, 2008

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO: Principals

FROM: Linda M. Wallinger

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

SUBJECT: Virginia High Schools’ Civic Responsibility Campaign (CRC)

All Virginia public high schools are invited to participate in a special statewide civics project. The Virginia Student Councils Association (VSCA) in cooperation with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) and Virginia State Board of Elections is sponsoring a “Civic Responsibility Campaign.” The statewide CRC is to provide all high school students who will be 18-years-old or older before the November 4 election with information about voter registration and the opportunity to become a registered voter in Virginia.

The November election will be statewide and Virginia citizens will be electing local and national officials. Virginia’s SCA believes it is important that all eligible voters exercise their civic responsibility to participate in the election process. This statewide campaign will be an opportunity for young Virginia citizens to receive information, become better informed, and register to vote.

The Department of Education encourages all high schools to participate in this opportunity to promote civics education. In VSCA-member high schools, the CRC may take place under the leadership of the schools’ SCA and teacher advisers. If your schools are not VSCA members, the leadership may be provided through other student organizations or as part of civics or government classes. The spring two-week campaign will be May 12–23, 2008. Schools will be recognized for their participation in the campaign.

In addition, the Virginia State Board of Elections will send information to each of the high schools about opportunities for students who are registered voters to apply to serve as a voter official at the election polls on November 4. Those selected will be paid a stipend of $100 for the day. Posters and applications will be included in the CRC materials. Encourage students to apply to serve as voter officials.

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to bring this campaign to your attention and to encourage the participation of high schools in your school division. VASSP will send CRC participation guidelines and instructions directly to each high school. If you have questions, please contact Mr. C. Michael Newman at 804-355-4263 or e-mail cmnewman@vassp.org.

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