Thank you to everyone who nominated someone this year for a 2013 Washington State Jefferson Award.  We had more than 200 amazing nominations submitted, and the judges had a tough job choosing only five winners.  We should all feel proud to have so many dedicated volunteers who are working to improve lives in our state and our world.

We are pleased to announce the 2013 Washington State Jefferson Award Winners:

Jared Costanzo	Karen Krejcha	Michael Mowat
Julia Sheriden	Olowo-n'djo Tchala

For biographies of winners and a list of all nominees please visit www.seattlecityclub.org/JeffersonAwards.

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Congratulations to Margaret E. Fisher for receiving the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Civics Education!

Margaret Fisher’s 35 year career in the field of civic education has prompted an award-winning streak: Last year, she represented the Seattle Youth Traffic Court at our inaugural Colleen Willoughby Youth Civic Education Awards.  And now, Margaret Fisher, court program analyst with the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts and Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the Seattle University School of Law, has been named the 2012-2013 recipient of the Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

The Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Civics Education honors an “organization, court, or individual who has promoted, inspired, improved, or led an innovation or accomplishment in the field of civics education related to the justice system.”

Quoted in a Washington State Courts’ press release, the NCSC President Mary C. McQueen stated: “The shear breadth of Margaret Fisher’s work in the field of civics education, which spans more than 35 years, is so worthy of recognition. Through her steadfast commitment, Margaret has made a difference to so many. She has developed innovative programs for school children, college students, juvenile offenders, prison inmates, immigrants and more. Margaret’s perspective is that everyone, including society, benefits from a strong civics education program, which she delivers.”

For more on Ms. Fisher’s three decades of civic education work and the Sandra Day O’Connor Award, click here.

To watch CityClub's Inaugural Colleen Willoughby Youth Civic Education Awards, visit TVW.

Greetings, CityClub Friends, from Olympia! 

by Rep. Jessyn Farrell (46th District), CityClub's former Civic Education Initiative Coordinator 

I am heading into my fourth week as a legislator representing the 46^th District (Northeast Seattle, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore) and so far it has been both exhilarating and humbling. Every day I learn more about how to be of service to my constituents and participate in the great American experiment of self-governance. 

One of the best experiences thus far has been on the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, working with The Mockingbird Society, a foster care advocacy organization, on legislation that would make it easier for siblings in the foster care to visit each other.  During the hearing on the legislation a former Mockingbird Society participant spoke passionately about the emotional hardship that he and his twin brother faced being separated from their sister throughout childhood.  His testimony really drove home the issue for many members of the committee.

I had the opportunity to help CityClub develop its Colleen Willoughby Youth Civic Education Awards, which recognizes outstanding programs that help young people get involved in changing and impacting our society, which the Mockingbird Society received in 2012. I knew before the great work that they do in the community, but it was a true privilege to be able to work with them down in Olympia as well.

I will say though, the Early Learning Committee could easily be renamed the “guilty mother committee” - with me as the mother who feels guilty!  I’m the mother of a two year old son and a four year old daughter, and it is difficult to be away from them so much. We spend a lot of time in committee studying the research that is being done on early childhood education, and the results are compelling and conclusive -  the first 1000 days of life, from birth to three years old, are absolutely critical for the development of a child.  I know this first hand, as I teach my own two kids to acquire physical skills, literacy, and social graces.  I know my husband, their care givers and I are working hard to nurture them but it is a challenge during these 105 days of session!

But as challenging as that is, I think it’s important to have moms down here in Olympia. Every year the legislature passes bills that affects kids, parents and families. We need the perspective of those who are on the front lines trying to take care of their kids and give them the very best when we are making these major policy decisions.

There are plenty of challenges this session, and I look forward to hear from you all throughout the process. If you have a question or concern, you can contact my office by calling 360-786-7818 or emailing jessyn.farrell@leg.wa.gov.

Thank you for being engaged public citizens!

(Want to hear more from Jessyn? Check out her "Meet the New Member" profile at housedemocrats.wa.gov!)

by Diane Douglas, Executive Director 

When I review the Washington State Jefferson Awards nominations each year, I experience a flood of positive emotions: I’m humbled by the extraordinary accounts of generosity and service contributed by unsung heroes throughout the state. I’m amazed by how much good is accomplished through their drive and commitment –often with limited financial resources. My spirit is renewed concerning great citizenship and community engagement. I’m grateful to my fellow Washingtonians. I’m inspired to increase my own volunteer activities and impact.

I think all that positive energy is infectious, and I want to ask your help to grow it. When you inform and encourage the members of your network to participate in the Jefferson Awards, you’ll spark their engagement, pride, gratitude, inspiration and action. Right now, Washington ranks 9^th in the nation in volunteering. Let’s aim higher!

 

Honor an outstanding volunteer who is making a difference in your community.  Nominate a friend, neighbor or colleague today at www.seattlecityclub.org/jeffersonawards and spread the word!