Civic Learning Week is a signature initiative of Why the Facts Matter, a weeklong series of workshops and speaking events designed to strengthen students’ capacity for critical inquiry, fact-based reasoning, and civic engagement. In alignment with the national America 250 Celebration, this initiative provides an opportunity for the College to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary by fostering civic learning, dialogue, and democratic participation across our campuses and communities.
Dates: Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13, 2026
Purpose and Goals
The primary goal of Civic Learning Week is to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to:
- Engage in civil discourse grounded in evidence and respect for differing perspectives.
- Analyze and evaluate information sources with discernment.
- Develop the habits of mind essential for confident pluralism in both civic life and professional contexts.
- Expose students to industry professionals in careers dedicated to inquiry and fact-finding activities.
Collaborative Partners
ELEVATE will collaborate with the FSCJ Library, DramaWorks, FSCJ Foundation, Student Life & Leadership, Office of Civic Engagement, Government & Community Relations, college faculty, community leaders, and journalism professionals to deliver engaging, high-impact programming for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Program Components
Civic Learning Week will feature a range of interactive and educational activities, including:
- Faculty- and staff-led workshops
- Community discussions
- A Civics Literacy Escape Room
- 250th Birthday Celebration and Career Summit (Thursday, March 12)
Students who complete 10 hours of Civic Learning Week activities will earn an official FSCJ Digital Badge.
Themes for Faculty and Staff-led Workshops
- Truth & Tools: Navigating News in a Cluttered World
This theme focuses on helping participants evaluate information sources, recognize misinformation, and develop the digital literacy skills needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape. Workshops may address topics such as news verification, algorithms, media bias, responsible sharing practices, and the social and civic consequences of spreading inaccurate information.
- Strengthening Democracy: How to Find and Verify What’s True
This theme explores the relationship between truth, civic responsibility, and democratic engagement. Sessions may highlight practical strategies for identifying credible information, examining differing perspectives, and understanding how truth-telling strengthens participation in civic life and community building.
- Perception and Reality: The Role of Truth in Storytelling (in collaboration with FSCJ DramaWorks)
This theme examines the power of narrative in shaping perception and identity. Workshops may explore how personal experience, emotion, and culture influence storytelling, and how distinguishing between “my truth” and “the facts” contributes to ethical communication, empathy, and understanding.
Event Locations
Programming will take place across multiple FSCJ campuses and centers.
Contact:
Dr. Naita Guine
Email: nguine@fscj.edu