Distinction in Civic Education

myPunahou

★★★

“To be part of the democratic tradition is to be a prisoner of hope. And you cannot be a prisoner of hope without engaging in a form of struggle in the present moment that keeps the best of the past alive. To engage in that struggle means that one is always willing to acknowledge that there is no triumph around the corner, but that you persist because you believe it is right and just and moral.”

Cornel West

★★★

David M. Ball, PhD
dball@punahou.edu

Pamela Sakamoto, PhD
psakamoto@punahou.edu

Program Coordinators
Davis Democracy Initiative

The Distinction in Public Service is granted to Punahou Academy students who demonstrate a deep commitment to community engagement in a way that is meaningful, intentional, and impactful.

Students in the Public Service Distinction program pursue a multi-year journey to learn about themselves and how they fit into their community of interest. Along the way, they engage in service projects, coursework and reflection exercises. Upon completion of the Distinction requirements, student candidates exhibit their learning in a portfolio presentation that is reviewed by a panel of faculty.

Process

Students may indicate interest in the Distinction in Civic Education process at any time, though it is advised to begin thinking about the competencies and required evidence early during the Academy experience. Progress toward the Distinction will be monitored, reviewed, and awarded by Center Directors and faculty mentors upon the presentation of a portfolio that includes academic work and self-directed action and experience beyond the classroom walls.

Requirements

Competencies

Final portfolios will require at least 3 pieces of evidence demonstrating growth toward each competency.

Think Critically

Students can recognize the broad applicability of their knowledge and skill sets, and independently apply their learning in new contexts.

I connect knowledge and skills within and across disciplines.
I evaluate experiences or solve problems using knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines.
I articulate the relevance of my learning.

Collaborate

Students can enact open-minded listening and thinking skills to engage empathetically with people and with different points of view.

I demonstrate a willingness to have my mind changed during group work.
I ask questions to understand the points of view of my group members.
I encourage the group to incorporate a diversity of thought in our work.

Empathize

Students can respond to a true need in a community and take impactful action.

I investigate the needs and concerns of a community.
I engage with the perspectives of community members to understand context and complexity.
I co-design an action plan with the community.

Students can reflect upon how privilege and power have the potential to guide decision making.

I recognize power and privilege are not equal for all in a society.
I investigate how differing power or privilege impacts members of a society.
I explore ways that power or privilege could be used to create opportunities for others.

Evidence for Competency

Providing Evidence

The following list is a road map for how students would gather sufficient evidence for the Distinction. Students may, however, discuss and plan for an alternative road map with their faculty mentor.

All of the following:

Completion of courses and school projects, when applicable, that demonstrate deep investment in civic education
Ke Kilohana or Capstone project encompassing civic issues with mentorship from faculty and outside leaders
Sustained involvement in advocacy for civic issues or work with local, state, and national elected leaders on issues that affect our communities
Interning or service placement in a public-facing, non-profit, community, or governmental organization in fields like law, education, healthcare, media, or the arts
Significant participation in the Democracy Fellows or Luke Leaders program, or a similarly focused group off-campus

Two or more of the following:

Running for student government leadership opportunities and/or serving meaningfully in student government
Interning or significantly participating with local and state government leaders
Engaging others in structured, thoughtful, and meaningful discussions of difficult subjects and controversial ideas, either peer-to-peer in the Academy or through Junior School workshops
Designing or helping to run a G-term or Experiences course that engages Punahou students in sustained dialogue around contentious issues of local, state, or national consequence
Developing a course of independent study on issues of governance and civic values with interested faculty
Collaborating with University of Hawai’i Richardson School of Law partners in the recruitment and invitation of visiting scholars, shared events, and potential opportunities for students to engage in clinic work
Creating pathways for those underserved by civic organizations or without access to political participation
Participating in student voter registration drives or local, state, and national campaigns for elected office
Engaging with civic engagement organizations such as Project Citizen, Kids Voting Hawaii, the PACE Commission, and VOTE16
Significant service work or leadership experience with Punahou groups such as National Honor Society and/or Key Club
BUILD YOUR OWN! If you are already on a journey that does not fit perfectly within the framework above, please contact David Ball to design your own unique pathway.