Issue 10 | November 2022

"Indiana is being recognized as a national leader in civic education!" That statement is something I take great pride in, and I know this is the result of years of dedicated work by the Indiana Bar Foundation and our many supporters, volunteers, and partners. I was honored to join Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner, at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. I recently represented Indiana at a national conference promoting civic education nationwide. The "More Perfect" campaign is a national effort to align groups from all sectors of society to meet and make substantial progress on five sustainable democracy goals by 2026, when our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. The first of these goals is to promote universal civic learning across the country. Indiana's accomplishments in that area, including creating a new required 6th-grade semester civics course, were one of the recent achievements that were spotlighted at the conference. By passing this new law, Indiana became only the 7th state in the nation with a stand-alone middle school civics course requirement. The Indiana Bar Foundation's work as the driving force behind this significant accomplishment is undoubtedly a great source of pride for all the people that have been so dedicated to the expansion of civic education in Indiana for many years. While the increased attention from our friends around the country is always appreciated, we continue to focus on the future here in Indiana and help Hoosier educators prepare for the new course in the 2023-2024 school year. To help teachers implement this new civics course, we are actively working with partners from around the state to help provide robust professional development, lesson plans, and other classroom resources. Many of these resources are drawn from the high-quality We the People civics program. These are exciting times for us all, and while we are very proud of the accomplishments so far, our work is only beginning!

A sold-out 7th Annual Indiana Civil Legal Assistance Conference was held on October 28 in Indianapolis. The one-day conference included an inspirational and motivational keynote address from Foundation Board Member Jimmie McMillian, the Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel, Penske Entertainment Corp.

The conference also honored the Randall T. Shepard Award for Excellence winners. Attorney Tracy Pappas from Indiana Legal Services and attorney Carl Pebworth of Faegre Drinker received the awards from Justice Geoffrey Slaughter and Scott Wylie, Executive Director, Pro Bono Indiana (pictured). Attendees chose from 30 CLE sessions, including Eviction Defense, Expungement 101, Overview of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other relevant topics.

Foundation Keystone Society, Board Members, and stakeholders gathered at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis to view the “Documents that Shaped America” exhibit during the October 19 reception. The Foundation is a proud sponsor of the exhibit’s U.S. Constitution document and was pleased to offer this benefit along with networking, complimentary refreshments, and a program update from Chuck Dunlap, President & CEO.

The Keystone Society is a distinguished group of Foundation supporters who generously contribute $1,000 or more annually. As a Keystone Society member, donors will have the opportunity to participate in unique member events and receive special recognition for their contribution. All Keystone Society members who contribute prior to December 31, 2022 will be recognized on the Foundation website and in the March issue of Res Gestae, the Indiana State Bar Association Member Journal. For additional information on the Keystone Society or how you can join please contact Kim Berry, Director of Development.

The 2022 We the People competitions are now underway! On Friday, October 28, the Northeast Indiana Regional Competition took place in Fort Wayne. Homestead High School (pictured) won the region and will advance to the State Competition in December.

Six middle school classes also competed on October 28 in Fort Wayne. Woodside Middle School won first place, Carroll Middle School (Smith) was second, and Carroll Middle School (Culbertson) was third. Among the unit award winners were St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Carroll Middle School, and Carrol Middle School.

Fishers High School won the 2022 Indiana We the People Central Regional held Saturday at Plainfield High School. Hamilton Southeastern High School finished second, with Plainfield High School (Hamilton) finishing third. Additional regionals are scheduled, including:

• Middle and High School Northwest Regional, Indiana University Northwest, November 4, 
• Middle School Central Regional, Hamilton Southeastern High School, November 5, 
• Middle and High School Southwest Regional, University of Evansville, November 9

The 2022 Middle and High School State Finals will be held in Indianapolis December 5-6. All events are being held in person for the first time in two years. Judges are an integral partner in Indiana's successful We the People program. If you are interested in judging a regional or during the State Competition, please sign up here.

The Foundation is looking for a Civic Education Specialist, Housing Help Desk and Kiosk Manager, Office Manager, and Indiana Legal Help Manager. Please review these great opportunities here.

Foundation Board Member and Floyd Circuit Court Judge Terrence Cody will be honored during the November 4 Annual Rotary Community Toast and Benefit Banquet in New Albany. Judge Cody will be honored for his community service to Floyd County, including his work with CASA.