Civic Engagement while Social Distancing

The LSC-M Center for Civic Engagement will continue to offer virtual programming for the 2021-2022 academic year.  Check this site regularly to stay up-to-date on LSC-M CCE happenings!

Jump to: Politics in Texas | Deliberative Dialogues | Newman Civic Fellowship | Voter Registration | Constitution Day | General Civic Engagement Resources | About LSC-M Center for Civic Engagement |

Black History Month Events | Women's History Month Events | General Programming | Programs Accessible Anytime (Pre-recorded Virtual Programs)

Celebrating Black History Month

Available Anytime | Free Masterclass Series | The History You Weren't Taught in School

Check out the Free Masterclass series available the entire month of February. As part of the $2 million commitment at MasterClass to make content that inspires and educates on social justice and against systemic racism, for the first-time ever an entire class will be available to stream for free. The three-part class, Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love will be freely available on MasterClass.com during Black History Month. MasterClass has also teamed up with Amazon to make the class available to stream for free on IMDb TV and available for all U.S. Prime Members on Prime Video. The entire class can be viewed at this link.

"Scandalize My Name."

Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Free Online Film Screening (Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

In correlation with the exhibit Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare, join us for a special screening of the film "Scandalize My Name." Synopsis: "Scandalize My Name" provides a searing examination of how “Red Scare” politics were used to hinder America’s civil rights movement. This powerful film documents the first-hand experiences of African American performers faced with “blacklists,” loyalty oaths and other discrimination. It explores the impact these tactics had on the performers’ careers and on civil rights as a whole. Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, and Dick Campbell are just a few of the notable personalities featured. [Description by Scott Albright, Rovi] Admission is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to receive the private Zoom link. To register for this event, click here.

Black History Month Virtual Speaker with Dr. Melanye Price.

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Black History Month is celebrated in the month of February. The LSC ODEI Office invites you to their fireside chat online with Dr. Melanye Price. To register for this event, click here.

In Person Book Talk with Dr. Caitlin Ring Carlson, author of "Hate Speech."

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. |(Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

In correlation with the exhibition, Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech, join us for a presentation by author Dr. Caitlin Ring Carlson on her book, Hate Speech. The event will be hosted in person. Admission is free and open to the public. Please note: In consideration of the health and safety of our event guests and museum staff, HMH will require all event guests to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster shot) by presenting a vaccination card/photo or a negative test within the last 72 hours of event. Face masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up. Complimentary masks are available at the Security desk. Register for this event here.

Witness: Exploring Connections Between African Americans & the Lands of Southeast Texas

Saturday, February 12, 2022 | 10 a.m. |(Sponsored by Houston Coalition Against Hate).

Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. The 4-part Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences of African-Americans to the Land of Southeast Texas and will incorporate dynamic, participatory talks, art, hikes, and other experiences. ?Part 1 of this series, Witness: The Long Arc will include Ivy Lawrence-Wells of Ivy Leaf Farms, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud of Bayou City Waterkeeper and Dr. Marco Robinson of Prairie View A&M University, who will share their experience with the past, present, and future relationships of African Americans to the Land of Southeast Texas and engage the Houston Botanic Garden audience in a discussion that will take the form of breakout sessions while walking the Houston Botanic Garden grounds. Part 1 of Witness: The Long Arc will be moderated by Jaime Gonzalez of the Nature Conservancy, Kristi Rangel, the 2021 Houston Coalition Against Hate Emerging Artist of the Year, and Michael Godoy of the Houston Botanic Garden.? Register here.

Virtual Presentation: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 3 p.m. | (Sponsored by the GlobalMindEd).

A discussion led by Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity & Inclusion, with Dr. Vern L. Howard; Chairman Dr. MLK Jr Colorado Holiday Commission, Kimberly Grayson; Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College, and Omar Montgomery; Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement, Cherry Creek School District. Register here.

Virtual Presentation - The Hollywood Jim Crow: The Racial Politics of the Movie Industry

Thursday, February 17, 2022 | 6 p.m. | (Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

In correlation with the exhibition Blacklist: Hollywood Red Scare, join us for a presentation by Dr. Maryann Erigha on her book, The Hollywood Jim Crow: The Racial Politics of the Movie Industry, which examines practices of racial inequality in the Hollywood film industry through the lens of film directing. Maryann Erigha is Associate Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at the University of Georgia. Her work examines the production and circulation of popular media messages about race, with a primary focus on African American cinema and digital technologies. The event is pre-recorded and will be hosted on Zoom. Admission is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to receive the private Zoom link. Register here.

In-Person Matinee Film Screening: The Defiant Ones

Friday, February 18, 2022 | 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

In correlation with the exhibition Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare, join us for a special  matinee screening of the film The Defiant Ones. Dr. John Sbardellati, Visiting Associate Professor of History at the University of Houston and author of J. Edgar Hoover Goes to the Movies: the FBI and the Origins of Hollywood's Cold War, will introduce the film. Admission is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Register here.

Virtual Book Talk: Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, co-author of A Black Women’s History of the United States

Thursday, February 24, 2022 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

In correlation with the exhibit Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech, join us for a virtual presentation with Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, co-author of the book, A Black Women’s History of the United States. Admission is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required to receive the private Zoom link. Register here.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Dismantle Patriarchy Essay Contest

Due April 7, 2022 (Sponsored by the V-DAY Campaign).

V-Day, One Billion Rising and A Call to Men have launched the Dismantle Patriarchy Contest, which is open to college students around the world and US-based high school students. Ten winners from each category will receive a $1,000 prize. The deadline for Submissions: April 7, 2022. The contest challenges youth to envision how they might change the larger societal system of patriarchy to create an accepting society through visual art, music, essay, story, poetry, video, photography and beyond. The YouthACT Council, a committee of youth which is being coordinated by A Call to Men, is taking leadership roles, giving feedback and V-Day has assembled a College Committee that will do the same. Students can enter the Dismantle Patriarchy Contest at dismantlepatriarchy.org

"Shortlisted" with authors Renee Knake Jefferson and Hannah Brenner Johnson

Thursday, March 17, 2022 | 6 p.m.  (Sponsored by the Holocaust Museum Houston).

Shortlisted tells the overlooked stories of nine extraordinary women—a cohort large enough to seat the entire Supreme Court—who appeared on presidential lists dating back to the 1930s. Florence Allen, the first female judge on the highest court in Ohio, was named repeatedly in those early years. Eight more followed, including Amalya Kearse, a federal appellate judge who was the first African American woman viewed as a potential Supreme Court nominee. Award-winning scholars Renee Knake Jefferson and Hannah Brenner Johnson cleverly weave together long-forgotten materials from presidential libraries and private archives to reveal the professional and personal lives of these accomplished women. Renee Knake Jefferson is the Doherty Chair in Legal Ethics and a Professor of Law at the University of Houston. An author of four books and more than 20 academic articles, she frequently appears in the media including MSNBC, National Public Radio, and the Wall Street Journal. Hannah Brenner Johnson is the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at California Western School of Law. Her research interests surround sexual violence perpetrated in institutions and closed systems, and gender inequality in the legal profession. The event will be hosted in person. Admission is free and open to the public. Register here.

Civic Engagement General Programming

Courageous Leadership during and through a PANDEMIC The Maverick Way!

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 2:30 p.m. CST |

Year 3: COVID and Public Health Webinar (The Texas Tribune).

Friday, January 28, 2022 | 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Join us at noon Central for a conversation with Hidalgo County Health Authority Iván Meléndez, Angelina County Health Administrator Sharon Shaw, and El Paso County Health Authority Hector Ocaranza; moderated by Tribune reporter Karen Brooks Harper. They’ll discuss how communities continue to be impacted by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s long-term implications. Can’t make it? The conversation will be also available to watch on demand, starting Jan. 28, at texastribune.org/events. To register for this event, click here.

Bystander Intervention to Stop Hate-Based Harassment Webinar (Houston Coalition Against Hate).

Friday, January 28, 2022 | 12 p.m. 

Houston Coalition Against Hate (HCAH) in collaboration with Hollaback! will offer a free online Bystander Intervention designed to disrupt instances of identity-based hatred and bigotry online and in person. Grounded in nonviolence, de-escalation, and compassion, this intervention offers both practical tips for standing up to bias and racism as well as a deeper understanding of what generates these attacks. There will be an opportunity for knowledge sharing and exploring scenarios where participants can practice intervention strategies, and learn about the Hollaback! 5 D’s. To register for this event, click here.

CDO Carlecia Wright Semester Virtual Welcome.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. 

We hope that you can join our CDO Carlecia Wright via Zoom to welcome everyone this semester and share all the exciting things she has in store for LSC. Sign up for the event here.

Year 3: COVID and the Economy Webinar (The Texas Tribune).

Friday, February 4, 2022 | 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

The second event in our “COVID, Year 3” series, Year 3: COVID and the Economy, will explore where we stand as we enter year three of the pandemic. Texas Tribune energy and economy reporter Mitchell Ferman will talk with labor experts about the pandemic’s impact on Texas’ economy and our workforce. The conversation will be also available to watch on demand, starting Feb. 4 at texastribune.org/events. To register for this event, click here.

An Accessible Elections Townhall

Thursday, February 10, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. | (Sponsored by the Mayor's Offices of People with Disabilities & Government Relations and the Houston Commission on Disabilities).

A Townhall with Sylvester Turner, City of Houston Mayor, and Isabl Longoria, Elections Administrator addressing accessibility and elections. To register for this event, click here.

Californians: Do they Help or Hurt Texas?

Friday, February 11, 2022 | 12 p.m. (Sponsored by The Texas Tribune).

Join us at noon Friday, Feb. 11, to discuss what the influx of Californians means for the state’s economy, population and politics. Tribune Editor-in-Chief Sewell Chan will talk with Kenneth P. Miller, Rose professor of state and local government and director of the Rose Institute at Claremont McKenna College; Alexandra Suich Bass, senior correspondent for politics, technology and society for The Economist; Ben Rowen, associate editor at Texas Monthly; Jennifer Mercieca, professor of communication at Texas A&M University; and Sergio Garcia-Rios, assistant professor of government and Latino studies at Cornell University. Can’t make it? The conversation will be also available to watch on demand, starting Feb. 11, at texastribune.org/events. Register for this event here.

Outrun Hunger (Montgomery County Foodbank).

Saturday, February 26, 2022 | 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST 

Join the fight against hunger by participating in Montgomery County Food Bank's first-ever fun run - Outrun Hunger! Outrun Hunger's proceeds benefit the Food Bank's programs for children, seniors, and families in need of food assistance in Montgomery County. Outrun Hunger's Mardi Gras-themed events include a 5K, 10K, 1K Second Line Parade (dogs welcome), virtual events, and a Laissez Zero K. Attendees can also enjoy a family-friendly carnival and vendor fair with face painters, Cajun food trucks and more. So, dress up in your most festive Mardi Gras attire and meet us at the starting line! Laissez les bons temps rouler! For more information, to sign up, and/or volunteer, click here.

Using Data to Target Voters

Saturday, February 26, 2022 | 2 p.m. CST (Webinar sponsored by the TWU Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy).

Wondering whether you have a chance? Or how to find your potential voters? Join us as we look at ways to use election data. There's a world of data out there...you just need to know what to use. In this workshop, we'll look at two common sources of data (election returns and state voter data files) to help answer common questions on a campaign. This hands-on workshop will help you learn where to find free and paid data, as well as how to use Excel to run basic campaign numbers. Register for this event here.

Witness: Hiking Through History

Saturday, March 12, 2022 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Sponsored by Houston Coalition Against Hate).

Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. The 4-part Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences of African-Americans to the Land of Southeast Texas and will incorporate dynamic, participatory talks, art, hikes, and other experiences. Witness: Hiking Through History is the second of a 4-part series designed to bring communities together through dialogue. Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. Hiking Through History will educate participants on the historical significance of public lands, unearth long-omitted perspectives, and celebrate the Hill at Sims with The Nature Heritage Society. The Hill at Sims is one of the lesser-known natural jewels in Houston.  Located in the south side of Houston near historic Sunnyside, the Hill is a tranquil respite from the stresses of daily life.  One can pleasantly loose themselves in the sights and sounds of nature for as long as one wishes.  There are several small lakes where one can fish or simply watch the sun dancing on the water or birds in flight. Location: The Hill at Sims. Meet and registration on-site starting at 8:30am at Cloverland Community Center Building, 11800 Scoot St., Houston, TX 77047. The Hike: 1.5 to 2 miles. ***Please dress appropriately for weather.  It is suggested all participants wear hiking boots if they have them or good sneakers with ankle support is recommended.

Advanced Fundraising Techniques

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 | 7 p.m. CST  (Webinar sponsored by the TWU Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy).

Fundraising is an important part of a campaign, and candidates often find they spend a lot of time on the phone and at events trying to raise money and form relationships with donors. ?Join us as we learn more about fundraising from Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights and a visiting practitioner at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. In her career, Ms. Peeler-Allen has worked closely with elected officials, candidates, and organizations to strengthen their fundraising, with an end goal to increase the diversity of our elected bodies. She also serves as co-chair of Higher Heights for America PAC, is board chair of the ERA Coalition, and sits as a board member of ActBlue, the Fund for Women's Equity, and NARAL Pro-Choice America. Register for the event here.

Mental Traps - navigating Political Minefields

Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 2 p.m. CST (Webinar sponsored by the TWU Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy).

Running for office takes a toll on mental health. Join us and Dr. Jada Jackson to discuss resiliency and maintaining mental health while campaigning.Dr. Jada is an author, keynote speaker, licensed mental health counselor, and corporate trainer who values excellence, authenticity, and effective communication. As a trained mental health therapist, Dr. Jada offers exceptional viewpoints based on her work and experience with cognitive reformation, emotional management, and behavior modification. Dr. Jada brings both her experience and education to our culture by empowering others to leverage their existing strengths to catapult them to their next level. Applying real-life experiences, Dr. Jada reveals practical, applicable educational methods to illuminate the valuable contribution of every human being. Dr. Jada is the President of Total Life Counseling Center – Dallas and the VP of Care Management of Listeners On Call. She is a graduate of Regent University and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional Communication and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Services Counseling. Jada also has a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a doctorate degree from Argosy University in Counselor Education and Supervision. Jada is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. Additionally, Jada currently works as a counseling psychology professional and mental strength counselor for the National Basketball Association & National Basketball Players Association’s Health Education Program. She also works as an Educational Trainer and Peak Performance counselor for the Major League Baseball Association and the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Organization. Register for this event here.

Witness: Seeds of Hope Planting

Saturday, April 23, 2022 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Sponsored by Houston Coalition Against Hate).

Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. The 4-part Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences of African-Americans to the Land of Southeast Texas and will incorporate dynamic, participatory talks, art, hikes, and other experiences. Witness: Seeds of Hope Planting is the third of a 4-part series designed to bring communities together through dialogue. Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. Join the Houston Parks & Recreation Department for an Earth Week prairie planting at Clinton Park. In addition to the prairie planting we will explore some of the deep roots between our local prairies and legendary Black Cowboys and the rodeo. Location: Clinton Park —200 Mississippi St., Houston, TX 77029. Space Limited: Register at naturalresources@houstontx.gov.

Witness: Seeds of Hope Planting

Saturday, May 7, 2022 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Sponsored by Houston Coalition Against Hate).

Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. The 4-part Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences of African-Americans to the Land of Southeast Texas and will incorporate dynamic, participatory talks, art, hikes, and other experiences. More info available here.

Global Policy Conference | Washington, D.C.

May 16-20, 2022 (Sponsored by the Public Leadership Education Network).

At the five-day Global Policy seminar, participants will learn how to launch their international policy career through participating in policy discussions, diplomacy simulations, and connecting with women leaders who are shaping policy in DC and across the world. Scholarships available for graduate and undergraduate students. Scholarship & conference applications due March 11, 2022. Scholarship includes airfare, hotel, and program fees. Register for the conference and/or apply for a scholarship here.

Pre-recorded Events Accessible Anytime.

What Should I Know about Voting in Texas in 2022? (Pre-recorded Twitter Space Conversation from The Texas Tribune).

The Texas Tribune’s executive editor, Ross Ramsey, joined Alexa Ura, the Tribune’s demographics reporter and associate editor, to discuss the basics on how voters can participate in elections as well as things to watch out for in the 2022 election year, including redistricting, lawsuits and statewide races. In September, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1 into law. The sweeping legislation further tightens state election laws and constrains local control of elections by limiting counties’ ability to expand voting options. In last week’s conversation, Ura detailed the changes in voting that individuals might experience, and what they can do to prevent more trouble at the polls. To access this recording, click here.

Facts Versus Fiction: Critical Race Theory and its Role in our Current Conversations on Race, Equity, & Justice (Pre-recorded Webinar from GlobalMindED).

Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the conversation with Omar Montgomery; Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement, Cherry Creek School District, Regan Byrd; Founder and Principal Consultant, Regan Byrd Consulting LLC, and Dr. Dedrick Sims; CEO, Sims-Fayola Foundation. Access the video here.

"Mental Health and Resilience in Unscripted Times" Health Equity (Pre-recorded Webinar from GlobalMindED).

Health Equity Session - Dr. Pierre Theodore; VP Global External Innovation Johnson & Johnson leads the discussion with Liz Sweigart; Partner, PWC, workplace mental health advocate, Ron Lessard; Acting Executive Director, White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, Gurchaten Sandhu; President, UN GLOBE Program Officer of Non-Discrimination, International Labor Org. and Josh Lee. Access the video here.

Politics in Texas

The following are programs specifically about political issues in Texas (updated regularly).

Redistricting:

Texas is currently going through the redistricting process. For the most up-to-date information on this process, click here.

Programs/Resources on Gerrymandering:

What is Gerrymandering (video by the Gerrymandering Project from fivethirtyeight)

Participate in Local Politics

Local elections are just as important as the Presidential election. Take advantage of opportunities such as volunteering for a local campaign, attending a virtual local political event, or even watching a local candidate debate.

Click here for a list of suggestions for getting involved in state/local politics

Deliberative Dialogues

Participate in either a LSC sponsored Deliberative Dialogue or one facilitated by the National Issues Forum. Deliberative dialogues are a program established by the National Issues Forums (NIF), which is a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums for the consideration of public policy issues. It is rooted in the simple notion that people need to come together to reason and talk—to deliberate about common problems. These forums offer citizens the opportunity to join together to deliberate, to make choices with others about ways to approach difficult issues and to work toward creating reasoned public judgment. The forums provide a way for people of diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of the problem and to search for common ground for action.

Upcoming Deliberative Dialogues

Click here for upcoming virtual Deliberative Dialogues facilitated by the National Issues Forum.

Newman Civic Fellowship Program

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year fellowship experience for community-committed students from Campus Compact member institutions that supports students’ personal, professional, and civic development.  Through the LSC-M Center for Civic Engagement we are a member institution of Campus Compact. The fellowship is a yearlong opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to nurture their assets and passions, engage in collaborative action, and act to address inequality and polarization. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides in-person and virtual learning opportunities focused on building the skills fellows need to serve as effective agents of change.

Students who would be qualified nominees will have done one or more of the following during the last year:

• Engage in collaborative action with others from campus or from surrounding communities in order to create long-term social change
• Take action in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization
• Demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement

To qualify, students must also have at least one year of their education remaining (either at their current institution or at a different one) such that they will be enrolled in higher education for the duration of the 2022-2023 academic year.

The application process involves:

• A personal statement written by the student.
• A leadership profile written by the student and nominee highlighting all the ways they are involved in their communities.
• A personal statement written by the nominator.
• A recommendation letter (this technically needs to come from the president, but in the past the nominator write a recommendation letter and forwarded it to Dr. Riley to use in writing the official one we will submit). This letter should include information about the nominee's approach(es) to addressing the root causes of social issues as well as why you believe this student has the motivation and potential to develop innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing public problems and to contribute to a network of similarly-committed students.

For Faculty & Staff: As a campus, we need to submit our nominee by February 1, 2022 so anyone who wishes to nominate a student should make sure to email me before December 1, 2021. If there is more than 1 students submitted, I will work with the nominators and Dr. Riley to decide which student will be forwarded as the campus nominee and coordinate the nomination process. More information is provided below as well as on the Campus Compact website.

For Students: If you are interested in this program, connect with a faculty or staff member to nominate you for this opportunity! If you do not have a faculty/staff member in mind, email your interest to Michele.Richey@lonestar.edu no later than February 1, 2022.

More information can be found on the Campus Compact website here.

Voter Registration

Voting is the right you use to protect all of your other rights.  Please be a voter.

Important 2022 Voting Information & Resources (to access printable document, click here).

2022 Election Dates

Register By	Type	Election Day
Monday, January 31, 2022	Primary	Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Thursday, April 7, 2022	General	Saturday, May 7, 2022
Monday, April 25, 2022	Runoff	Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Tuesday, October 11, 2022	General	Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Voteriders.org for assistance (including financial) to obtain an acceptible Photo ID.

Vote411.org - League of women Nonpartisan Voter Guide

866urvote.org Election Protection - Know your voting rights and report any voting issues. 1-866-687-8683

New Voter ID Requirements

Senate Bill 5, passed by the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, requires voters who possess an acceptable form of photo identification for voting listed below to present that identification in order to vote in person in all Texas elections. For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.  Voters who do not possess an acceptable form of photo identification and cannot reasonably obtain one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed below may present a supporting form of identification and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting the voter’s reasonable impediment to obtaining an acceptable form of photo identification, stating that the information contained in the declaration is true, that the voter is the same individual personally appearing at the polling place to sign the declaration, and that the voter faces a reasonable impediment to procuring an acceptable form of photo identification.

Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
• United States Passport (book or card)

For more information on required ID for voting and potential exemptions, click here.

Should you need additional information, please contact VoteTexas.Gov via telephone at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) or click here to send an email.

Voter Registration

Check if you are already registered here.

To register to vote in Texas, simply complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office at least 30 days before the upcoming election date.  To complete an application, you may:

1. Complete an application using the SOS ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION by simply filling in the required information, printing the form, signing it, and mailing it directly to your county election office; pr
2. Request a PRINTED APPLICATION and a voter registration application will be mailed to the address provided; or
3. Contact or visit your local VOTER REGISTRAR to complete the voter registration process; or
4. Go to TurboVote's LSC specific website to be walked through the registration process.

You are eligible to register to vote if:

1. You are a United States citizen;
2. You are a resident of the county where you submit the application;
3. You are at least 17 years and 10 months old, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day.
4. You are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole); and
5. You have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.

Want to help out with elections?

Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program

Volunteer Deputy Registrars are entrusted with the responsibility of officially registering voters in the State of Texas. Appointments are made on a county-by-county basis only, not statewide. The acceptance of duties of a volunteer deputy registrar places you in a position of trust and responsibility to the citizens you will register to vote. For more information visit:

• Montgomery County Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program
• Harris County Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program
• Liberty County Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program
• Walker County Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program

Become a Poll Worker

If you have ever voted in person, you probably already know that a majority of folks who work at the polling places are retired and are at higher risk for experiencing severe complications from COVID-19. If you are someone who is not at high risk, think about applying to become a poll worker.

• Requirements to work as a Poll Worker: In Texas, at a minimum, to be eligible for appointment as a pollworker/election clerk a person must be a U.S citizen and a qualified voter of the territory of the election.
• Apply to be a Poll Worker in Montgomery County
• Apply to be a Poll Worker in Harris County
• Apply to be a Poll Worker in Walker County
• Apply to be a Poll Worker in Liberty County

Constitution Day

September 17th is Constitution Day! Every year, LSC-M celebrates the Constitution; however, you don't have to wait until Constitution Day to learn more about it.  Take some time to read the Constitution here.You can also access founding documents and learn more about how each provision was created and changed over time. There is also a great theaterical production, FOURTEEN, that sheds light on the Reconstruction era and the ratification of the 14th Amendment through dramatic interpretation of original texts, performers use the words of the 39th Congress as they debate the propsed 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

General Civic Engagement Resources

The following are resources provided by the LSC-M CCE.

Free Speach Info Sheet (updated Spring 2021)

Safe Protesting Info Sheet (updated Spring 2021)

4 Moves and a Habit: Steps to Assess Validity of News Stories (updated Spring 2021)

If Not You...A Civic Engagement Podcast

Episodes of this podcast cover a wide range of topics related to civic engagement.  The first 5 episodes involve an introduction to specific civic engagement subjects and interviews with different folks who are living civic engagement in very different ways.

Below are links to listen to each episode in addition to a breakdown of the episode’s topics, a list of referred to concepts with definitions and sources, and some links related to the episode’s content.

Click here for a list of episodes.

About the Lone Star College - Center for Civic Engagement

The Center for Civic Engagement at Lone Star College- Montgomery facilitates nonpartisan learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to encourage them to become more engaged citizens.  Our goal is to aid in the development of critical thinking, personal responsibility, and civil discourse skills in participants so that they develop a sense of urgency about issues and talk and act more in their communities, be it their classroom, campus, local, state, national, or global communities.

• Critical Thinking - We will provide learning opportunities for individuals to develop a better understanding of community issues and a more critical examination of all the explanations as to why the issue exists and what can be done to address it.

• Personal Responsibility - We will identify and create opportunities for individuals to become actively involved in addressing issues that exist within their communities.

• Civil Discourse - We will empower individuals to promote interests or causes important to their community while still being able to hear and understand multiple perspectives and engage in productive conversations.

LSC-M Participates in:

         

For more information about the LSC-Montgomery CCE, contact Michele Richey.