Montgomery Councilmember Craig Rice announces the 2021 Councilmember for a Day Challenge with a new inclusive storytelling experience for students

From the Office of Councilmember Craig Rice

Montgomery Councilmember Craig Rice
announces the 2021 Councilmember for a Day Challenge with a new inclusive storytelling experience for students
The experience seeks to empower and involve young people in local government public policymaking


For Immediate Release: Jan. 21, 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan.21, 2021 — Craig Rice, Councilmember for District 2, announced an expanded version of his annual Councilmember for a Day Challenge. “With the assistance of our enthusiastic partners at Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and Gandhi Brigade Youth Media, I am excited to take our annual challenge to the next level. Students will now benefit from an eight-week virtual storytelling experience culminating in each student or student team creating a two-minute video on a public policy issue,” said Councilmember Rice who chairs the Council’s Education and Culture Committee.

Students will learn digital journalism skills through virtual support by trained instructors. Expert and engaging speakers will provide insights and inspiration as students develop their ideas on a public policy issue important to them. To support all participants, iPads will be loaned for the duration of the challenge. Finally, at a virtual film festival, Councilmember Rice will select the winning video and a student or student team will serve as Councilmember(s) for the Day in May.

The Councilmember for a Day Challenge was started by Councilmember Rice in 2015 to engage and empower students about public policy issues that impact their lives. By serving as Councilmember for a Day, students learn about local government issues and the legislative process.

“This is where change happens for our communities, and I want to ensure our young adults understand how to effectively create that change,” said Councilmember Rice.

Current plans include a virtual experience as students participate during a public all-day Council session.

“We are also excited that the winner will receive a media journalism kit so that our students can continue their inclusive storytelling through digital journalism,” said Councilmember Rice.

The challenge is open to eighth through twelfth grade students. The deadline to register is February 8, 2021. For more information and the registration link, go to:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/cm4ad/

For additional information, contact the Office of Councilmember Craig Rice:
Kristin Trible
240-777-7947
Kristin.Trible@montgomerycountymd.gov