Introducing the Making of a Politician Quest!

 

Based off graduate courses at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the Making of a Politician Quest will introduce Forest School learners to persuasion, governance, and major challenges and opportunities facing the United States. The Quest will culminate in a mock presidential debate on October 8, 2020, at Pinewood Forest.

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In 460 BC, Cincinnatus was plowing his field, when he learned he had been appointed dictator of Rome. The Romans had appointed Cincinnatus dictator for six months so he could defend the Romans against the neighboring Aequi, who had surrounded the Roman army and the consul Minucius, in the Alban Hills. Cincinnatus rose to the occasion, defeated the Aequi, made them pass under the yoke to show their subjugation, gave up the title of dictator 16 days after it had been granted, and promptly returned to his farm. (Source)

Is political office something you seek out or something you are called by others to do? Are political leaders free to serve the people as they think best, or do they have a responsibility to act in the interests of the people who elected them? Is what is required to run for office and govern the same or different? How are elections won, and what are the ingredients of a persuasive presidential debate victory? 

The “Making of a Politician Quest” is based off of graduate level courses at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and compels heroes ages 5 through 18 to explore leadership, communication, cross cultural awareness, and public service. Elementary, Middle, and High School learners will consider and debate their visions for the future of our nation and the leadership required. Over four weeks, heroes will tackle challenges that will help them build transferable skills and global competencies:

  • Writing—Personal motivation memo, Press release, Write a bill for Congress

  • Speaking—Campaign speech, Media interview, Mock debate, Debate prep

  • Making—Map of your district, Campaign website, Campaign signs, Social media posts

Over the course of the Quest, teams will complete challenges for points. For each daily challenge, teams will be ranked by the quality of their work with the highest quality work and given more or less points accordingly. An ongoing points tally will be public in the Studio. In the final week of the Quest, points will be translated into extra minutes at Exhibition, a mock presidential debate. Teams with the most accrued points will have a crucial advantage—the longest time to respond at the debate. A panel of political and media experts will judge the debate.

The Quest will culminate in a mock presidential debate featuring expert political debate panelists and media specialists. Debate teams will consist of:

  1. A presidential candidate (candidates will debate as themselves, and for their vision of the future, not for an existing presidential candidate)

  2. Campaign manager

  3. Policy Specialist—Armed Services and International Relations 

  4. Policy Specialist—Energy and Natural Resources

  5. Policy Specialist—Commerce, Trade, and Industrial Regulation 

  6. Policy Specialist—Health and Education 

For our Spark Studio (ages 5-7), rather than the focus being on the United States, the focus will be on leadership of the Spark Studio. Learners will consider and debate the future of the Spark Studio, exploring topics like lunch plans, outdoor programming, the use of space and facilities, and the Spark Contract of promises between learners.

Banner image via

 
Tyler Thigpen