DEMOCRACY IN THE DETAILS
Small actions. Big impact. Everyday democracy at work.
Civic engagement isn’t just about elections and ballot boxes. It’s also about rolling up your sleeves, showing up in your community, and making a difference in ways big and small.
At the League of Women Voters, we believe democracy lives in everyday actions—welcoming new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, teaching kids that civics can be fun (yes, even bees!), and even keeping our local storm drains clean to protect shared water resources. These efforts may not make headlines, but they build a stronger, more connected, more informed community.
Explore three of our most hands-on and heart-forward programs—and join us in putting democracy into action every day.
The Civics Bee: Inspiring Civic Knowledge and Engagement
The Civics Bee is an exciting and enriching educational opportunity created through a collaborative effort between Bloomington Public Schools and the League of Women Voters - Bloomington. This annual competition is designed to inspire students to deepen their understanding of civic principles and democracy, and to develop the skills necessary to become informed and engaged citizens.
What is the Civics Bee?
The Civics Bee is a dynamic competition that brings together Bloomington 7th graders from Oak Grove, Olson, and Valley Middle Schools to test their knowledge of U.S. government, history, and civic responsibilities. Participants answer questions that highlight the importance of active citizenship and informed voting. The event is structured to be both challenging and fun, emphasizing the value of education and fostering a spirit of friendly competition.
Our Goals
The Civics Bee aims to:
Promote Civic Education: Enhance students' understanding of the American political system, the Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Encourage Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze complex civic issues.
Foster Engagement: Inspire a lifelong interest in civic participation and public service among students.
Build Community: Strengthen the connection between students, schools, and the broader community through a shared commitment to civic education.
How It Works
The Civics Bee involves multiple rounds of competition,:
Level I: All 7th grade students from Bloomington Public Schools participate in this Level I competition. This round of the Civics Bee consists of a qualifying exam given in individual 7th grade classrooms. The top scorers on this qualifying exam are then invited to participate in Level II.
Level II: The Level II Civics Bee competitions are school-level competitions held at each Bloomington Public Middle School. In the Level II competitions, participants are tested orally on a broad range of topics related to civics. The highest scorers in the Level II competitions are then invited to take part in the Level III competition.
Level III: This championship round brings together the top performing 7th graders from across the district to participate in the City-Wide Civics Bee Championship. Through rounds of oral questioning, students compete for the final championship while displaying their knowledge of civics and their dedication to learning. This final competition takes place in City Council Chambers at the Bloomington Civic Plaza and is a collaborative effort of the League of Women Voters – Bloomington, Bloomington Public School, and the City of Bloomington’s Community Outreach and Engagement Division.
Top performers are recognized with awards and certificates, celebrating their achievements and encouraging continued civic engagement.
Get Involved
The success of the Civics Bee depends on the enthusiastic support of our community. Here’s how you can participate:
Volunteer: Help organize, promote, and run the competitions at the individual middle schools and at the city-wide event.
Sponsor: Provide financial support or in-kind donations to help make the Civics Bee a memorable experience for all participants.
Attend: Join us on competition day to cheer on the students and celebrate their dedication to civic learning. Check back for the details of the 2025-2026 competition!
Why It Matters
In a rapidly changing world, a strong understanding of civic principles is more important than ever. The Civics Bee helps equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern democracy. By encouraging students to value and to enhance their knowledge regarding civics and democracy, we prepare them to be thoughtful, informed, and active participants in our political system.
Join us in celebrating and supporting the Civics Bee, and help foster a brighter future for our community and our democracy. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at info@lwvBloomingtonMN.org. Together, we can inspire a new generation of engaged and informed citizens.
Naturalization Ceremonies: Welcoming New Citizens and Encouraging Civic Engagement
At the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, we are honored to play a significant role in naturalization ceremonies, welcoming new citizens to our democracy and guiding them through their first steps as active participants in the electoral process. Our dedicated members attend these ceremonies to offer support and assistance, ensuring that every new citizen has the opportunity to register to vote and fully embrace their rights and responsibilities.
Our Role at Naturalization Ceremonies
Naturalization ceremonies are profound and joyous occasions where individuals from diverse backgrounds officially become U.S. citizens. The League of Women Voters of Minnesota is proud to be part of these important events, providing a warm welcome and offering essential voter registration services. Our volunteers are present to:
Naturalization Ceremony of New American Citizens
Provide Information: We offer new citizens clear, nonpartisan information about their voting rights and the importance of their participation in elections.
Assist with Voter Registration: Our members guide new citizens through the voter registration process, ensuring they complete and submit their registration forms correctly.
Answer Questions: We are available to answer any questions new citizens may have about voting, upcoming elections, and how to stay informed about political issues.
Why This Work Matters
Voting is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of our democracy. By helping new citizens register to vote, the League of Women Voters of Minnesota ensures that these individuals can immediately participate in the democratic process. This engagement fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging new citizens to become informed, active participants in their communities.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about supporting new citizens and strengthening our democracy? Join us in this meaningful work:
Volunteer: Sign up to help at naturalization ceremonies and assist new citizens with voter registration.
Donate: Your contributions help us provide resources and training for our volunteers, ensuring we can continue this vital service.
Spread the Word: Share the importance of voter registration and civic engagement with your networks, encouraging others to get involved.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community and our democracy by empowering new citizens to exercise their right to vote. Join the League of Women Voters of Minnesota in welcoming and supporting our newest voters.
Bloomington Adopt-A-Drain Program: Keeping Our Waterways Clean
The League of Women Voters of Bloomington is proud to support the Bloomington Adopt-A-Drain program, an initiative aimed at protecting our local waterways and promoting environmental stewardship. This program encourages residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of debris, thus preventing pollutants from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams.
HOW IT WORKS
Adopt a Drain: Choose a storm drain near your home or workplace to adopt.
Keep It Clean: Regularly clear leaves, trash, and other debris from the drain to ensure proper water flow and reduce pollution.
Report Your Efforts: Log your clean-up activities online to track the collective impact on our community.
WHY IT MATTERS
Storm drains play a crucial role in managing rainwater, but when clogged with debris, they can lead to flooding and water pollution. By participating in the Adopt-A-Drain program, you help:
Reduce Pollution: Prevent harmful substances from reaching our waterways.
Protect Wildlife: Ensure a cleaner habitat for local wildlife.
Enhance Community Health: Contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
GET INVOLVED
Join us in making a positive impact on our environment:
Sign Up: Visit the Bloomington Adopt-A-Drain website to adopt a drain.
Spread the Word: Encourage your neighbors and friends to participate.
Share Your Story: Let us know about your clean-up efforts and inspire others.
CONTACT US
For more information about the Adopt-A-Drain program and how you can help, contact us at info@lwvBloomingtonMN.org.
Together, we can keep Bloomington's waterways clean and safe for all. Thank you for your commitment to our community and the environment.