Mikva Challenge
(Mikva Challenge)
Mikva Challenge involves young people in direct participation in the
democratic process through its Issues to Action classroom-based project and
Elections in Action extra-curricular program.
Issues to Action is a community organizing 101 curriculum that walks students
through 6 steps: analyzing community, choosing an issue, conducting issue
research, analyzing power, action planning and taking action. The program
culminates with a Civic Action Fair where student leaders present their work
to community leaders.
Elections in Action brings young people in direct contact with political
candidates and campaigns. Students hold candidate forums and then select
a candidate to volunteer for at least 20 hours during the campaign season.
Teachers organize reflection activities weekly at the school and use students’
campaign experiences to inform and excite their classroom instruction. In
addition, Elections in Action mobilizes over 2,400 students each election to
serve as election judges in Chicago. These young people have transformed
Chicago elections with their energy and tech-savvy skills.