High-school students learn basics of government and are introduced to federal and local legislatures in Democracy in Action Seminar Teaches Civic Action

Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation Sponsors 40 High School Students from Hawaii, Alaska for Democracy in Action Seminar in Washington, D.C.

The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of the Cruise Lines International Association, in partnership with the Washington Workshops Foundation, last week sponsored 40 students and chaperones from Hawaii and Alaska for its annual Democracy in Action seminar in Washington, D.C. The seminar, which has been offered annually since 1998, offers students a broad range of educational experiences about the federal government, centered around research and preparation for a Model Congress on the final day. Students spent the week researching and preparing their committee assignments for this highlight event. They also met with a number of the Senators and Representatives in their states’ Congressional delegations, including Sens. Mark Begich (D-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Reps. Don Young (R–AK), and Colleen Hanbusa (D-HI).

“CICF is a strong supporter of education and student programs from the communities the cruise industry works in and with, so we are happy to once again sponsor the Democracy in Action seminar,” said CICF Executive Director Mike McGarry. “We greatly enjoy working with the Washington Workshops Foundation team, who do a marvelous job of ensuring a holistic, immersive learning experience for the students.”

“The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation plays an integral part in helping us carry out our mission of providing valuable experiential education programs for students and empowering future leaders,” said Tom Crossan, Executive Director of the Washington Workshops Foundation. “The generous support from CICF creates incredible opportunities for America’s youth to visit their nation’s Capital and gain a greater understanding of U.S. government, politics, policy making and the importance of being engaged and informed citizens in our democracy. The Democracy In Action program offers an unparalleled window to opportunities our students weren’t aware of before this experience. Our many thanks to CICF for their generous support and commitment to American’s youth.”

During the Democracy in Action seminar, students have the opportunity to examine facets of the federal legislative, committee, and budget processes, and learn about lobbying and federal regulations, as well as the media’s role in covering these, all through site visits and guest speakers. This year’s program included a briefing on ports and maritime security at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, speakers from Georgetown University, the American Youth Policy Forum, Pew Forum on the Media, and Brookings Institute. The week also featured visits to national memorials and Smithsonian museums.