The LWV of Thurston County is presenting a Civics Education Fair on Saturday, April 23 at the Washington state Capitol from 1-3 p.m. The purpose of this event is twofold: One is to put copies of the League’s civics textbooks into the hands of students and teachers who attend the event. The second is to have kids and adults explore the Capitol building and its surrounding grounds. By holding the fair at the Capitol, the number one tourist destination in Olympia, the League hopes to create more excitement about the study of civics. 

Some of Saturday's activities include: 

• Capitol campus scavenger hunt for younger attendees. 

• Self tours of the Capitol, which can take place at anytime. Official tours of the Capitol led by the visitors center will be at 1:30 and 2:30. Only on the official tours will some areas of the Capitol, such as the Reception Room, be open to the public. There will also be a special landscape and tree tour of the west Capitol campus that was designed by the Olmsted Brothers. These tours will take place at 1:20 and 2:20 p.m. 

• Displays of opportunities available for students to become more engaged in how government works, such as the page program, the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, interning in the legislature (a paid position for college students), and the Legislative Scholar program for teachers. 

• Highlighting the League's Voter Services program, Future Voters, and the work the League has done to engage high school students in voter registration. 

The Thurston County League worked with Jennifer Jackson, the event coordinator at the state capitol, and Leo O’Leary, the civics education director for the Washington State House. The League also submitted a request to the lieutenant governor’s office for assistance with information on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council.   

We are inviting other local Leagues to join Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Pierce, and the new unit in Lewis County to encourage participation. Thurston County received a grant from the state’s education fund to provide books and posters to distribute to students and teachers who attend. 

This is an opportunity for the League to interact with the public on a positive issue and to encourage our youth to become more aware of The State We’re In: Washington.