About The Program
“Being part of the Civic Liaison program has taught me that I have the power to help people. Through this experience, I’ve seen firsthand how much change I can make within my community!”
Henry P., Central High School Class of 2025
RHODE ISLAND CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program is an immersive, year-long nonpartisan program designed to connect high school students to their government and build skills and habits that foster lifelong civic engagement. Each school year, teachers or school administrators can nominate one or two civically-engaged students in grades 9-12 to serve as Student Civic Liaisons to the RI Department of State. One teacher liaison from each school supports their students in facilitating initiatives in their school and community.
Students attend monthly sessions at the Rhode Island State House led by RI Department of State staff, elected officials, and community and government leaders focused on a variety of topics, including civility, community advocacy, voting and elections, and politics and the media.
As part of the program, Student Civic Liaisons must complete a civic action project of their choice. Past projects have included organizing voter registration drives, creating a civic engagement club, recruiting youth poll workers for primary and general elections, and developing programs that will make a difference in their high schools. Student Civic Liaisons earn a certificate of Civic Education Excellence from the RI Department of State upon completion of the one-year program.
RHODE ISLAND CIVIC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Civic Leadership Summit is the culminating event of the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program. The Summit is a two-night, three-day non-partisan experiential learning program that takes place in Providence. Students stay overnight and visit locations in the state capital, including the Rhode Island State House and the Rhode Island Judiciary. The Summit provides Student Civic Liaisons the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and participate in professionally-guided workshops, while encouraging them to think critically about issues and evaluate potential solutions.
The Summit is based in part on Project In-Site, a program many current state leaders experienced during their high school years that has not been offered to Rhode Island’s youth since 1985. The first Summit was held in April 2024.
Through the generosity of sponsors, students can attend the RI Civic Leadership Summit at no cost.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will forever cherish. Meeting after meeting I was not only inspired by each guest speaker, but I also learned the value and importance of being engaged in my community. In addition, the staff was absolutely amazing and made each meeting something to look forward to.”
Natalia A., William E. Tolman High School
About Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore is a proud lifelong resident of East Providence, where he has been a teacher, coach, and community volunteer for over thirty years. Amore was elected in November of 2022 and sworn into office on January 3, 2023 as the thirtieth Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Prior to serving as Secretary of State, Amore taught history, civics, and government courses at East Providence High School for twenty-seven years until becoming the East Providence School District Athletic Administrator in 2017.
The Summit is based in part on Project In-Site, a program many current state leaders experienced during their high school years that has not been offered to Rhode Island’s youth since 1985. The first Summit was held in April 2024.
Through the generosity of sponsors, students can attend the RI Civic Leadership Summit at no cost.
Amore was elected as a State Representative in 2012 and served the residents of East Providence for ten years. During his time in office, he served as a Deputy Majority Leader, chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, chairman of the House Finance Subcommittee on Education, and second vice chair of the House Committee on Education. He is widely credited with advancing the House of Representatives’ education agenda, which included key education reform legislation related to curriculum and site based management, as well as championing efforts to significantly increase English Language Learner categorical funding, school construction initiatives, the retention and recruitment of teachers of color, and making college more affordable for Rhode Islanders.
Amore and his wife, Lee, have two daughters, Tess and Megan. Amore earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Providence College in 1988 and a master’s degree in public policy from New England College in 2010.
A former history and government teacher, Secretary Amore is committed to amplifying the civic education function of the RI Department of State. Since taking office, Secretary Amore has strengthened and expanded upon the Department’s civic education offerings.
