701 Civics

Bryan Pechtl
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The non-partisan 701 Civics podcast will provide listeners with an introduction to state government in North Dakota. From the Secretary of State to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, learn more about the offices and officials that lead North Dakota.

  1. JAN 18

    Civics Education in Action: Insights from We the People

    In this episode, Bryan interviews Jennifer Kallenbach, a dedicated social studies teacher and the state coordinator for the We the People program in North Dakota. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Wisconsin to teaching in North Dakota, emphasizing the importance of civics education in fostering informed and engaged citizens. The We the People program, initiated in the 1980s, aims to enhance students' understanding of democracy and civic participation through a structured curriculum that includes a textbook and a simulated congressional hearing competition. Jennifer highlights the program's focus on developing critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills among students, which are essential for active participation in democracy. Jennifer elaborates on the various ways teachers can implement the We the People curriculum, whether as a supplement to existing classes or as a standalone program. She discusses the professional development opportunities available for teachers, including the We the People Summer Teacher Institute, which provides resources and training to enhance their teaching methods. The conversation also touches on the impact of the program on students, with examples of former participants who have gone on to pursue careers in law and public service. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of civics education in empowering the next generation to engage meaningfully in their communities and government. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to We the People and Jennifer Kallenbach 01:02 Overview of the We the People Program 02:17 Importance of Civics Education Today 03:18 Academic Skills Developed Through Participation 05:03 Implementation in Classrooms 06:07 Impact on Students and Engagement 08:27 Professional Development for Teachers 09:55 Funding and Support for the Program 11:25 Challenges for New Teachers 12:58 Focus on Primary Source Documents 13:59 State Competition Overview 17:48 Participation and Awards in State Competition 19:32 Resources and Accessibility of Textbooks 21:00 Community Involvement and Support 22:48 Future Opportunities for We the People 24:41 How to Get Involved and Contact Information https://www.thestudynd.org/civic-education We the People - Center for Civic Education: https://civiced.org/we-the-people

    26 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    Bridging the Gap: The Role of the Indian Affairs Commission

    In this enlightening conversation, Brad Hawk, the Executive Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, discusses the commission's role as a liaison between tribal nations and state government. He shares insights on the commission's responsibilities, communication strategies, and initiatives aimed at education and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the commission, including misconceptions about its role, and the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term issues affecting tribal communities. Hawk emphasizes the need for collaboration and communication to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for Native communities in North Dakota. ND Indian Affairs Commission https://www.indianaffairs.nd.gov/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission 02:06 The Role and Responsibilities of the Commission 06:00 Communication Strategies and Government Relations 08:47 Education Initiatives and Community Engagement 10:48 Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Issues 12:45 Emergency Response and Food Sovereignty 14:57 Misconceptions About the Commission 17:12 Cultural Education and Preservation 18:35 Opportunities for Native Youth 20:10 Challenges and Opportunities Ahead 22:08 Future Vision for the Commission Episode Takeaways The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission serves as a liaison between tribal nations and state government.The commission focuses on communication and education to improve relationships with legislators.Emergency response and food sovereignty are critical issues for tribal communities.Education initiatives include teaching Native American history in schools.The commission aims to empower Native youth through workforce development and leadership opportunities.Misconceptions about the commission often arise from confusion with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.Cultural preservation efforts are supported through partnerships with tribal historic preservation offices.The commission is working to address immediate issues while planning for long-term solutions.Regular meetings with state agencies help to coordinate efforts and address community needs.The future vision includes enhancing communication and collaboration with tribal governments.

    28 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    The ND National Guard: A Deep Dive into Its Missions and Roles

    In this conversation, Nathan Rivard, a Public Affairs Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, discusses the structure, missions, and community impact of the National Guard. He explains the dual role of the Guard in serving both state and federal needs, the variety of missions they undertake, and the diverse job roles available within the organization. Rivard also highlights the training that Guard members undergo, the importance of coordination with local emergency services, and the benefits of joining the National Guard, particularly for young people considering their career options. He addresses common misconceptions about the Guard and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and understanding the role of service members. https://www.ndguard.nd.gov/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota National Guard 01:51 Understanding the Structure of the National Guard 04:21 Dual Mission: State and Federal Responsibilities 06:21 Common State Missions and Emergency Responses 08:26 Federal Deployments and Missions 10:15 Guard Membership and Locations in North Dakota 11:08 Diverse Specialties and Job Roles 12:35 Coordination with Local Emergency Services 14:27 Training for Diverse Missions 15:53 Typical Drill Weekend Activities 17:46 Evolution of the National Guard's Role 19:41 Benefits of Joining the National Guard 22:41 Civic Duty and Community Impact 24:43 Misconceptions About the National Guard 27:01 Engaging with the Community and Educators 28:27 Key Takeaways About the National Guard

    29 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    ND 250 - How to Celebrate the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

    As the United States gears up for the monumental 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, North Dakota is preparing to celebrate its unique story and contributions to American history through the ND250 initiative. This comprehensive program aims to unite communities across the state in a celebration that reflects North Dakota's rich heritage and invites everyone to participate in this historic event. Melissa Klocke, the ND 250 Coordinator discusses opportunities for citizens and organizations across the state of North Dakota. ND250 Website: https://www.nd.gov/north-dakotas-celebration-americas-250th America 250 Website: https://america250.org/ ND250 Community Initiatives Grant – School Field Trip Opportunity https://www.nd.gov/news/nd250-community-initiatives-grant-school-field-trip-opportunity

    23 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Civics Education and PD for North Dakota Teachers

    North Dakota Social Studies teacher Amber Severson discusses her experiences being selected by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to participate in professional development that is geared for rural educators. She emphasizes the need for students to engage in respectful, civil dialogue while recognizing the legal frameworks that govern political beliefs. National Constitution Center Site: https://constitutioncenter.org/museum/coming-soon?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22856715802&gbraid=0AAAAADJbFsAIEtyWVgsTucmNAj4XWRm9g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmYzIBhC6ARIsAHA3IkRgoZ8EOHilfJRdEg9e12Y0FRPljbBoWndEQRmHLv7dzffw0HJUA9MaAmzKEALw_wcB Teacher Weekend Workshops Information: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/professional-learning-opportunities/weekend-workshops Civil Dialogue Lesso Plan: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/constitution-101-curriculum/1.constitutional-conversations-and-civil-dialogue

    22 min

  6. 08/25/2025

    North Dakota State Court Administrator: Sally Holewa

    Have you ever wondered why you get called to jury duty so frequently? Or why a judge appears to have given an extra-lenient sentence to a person convicted of a serious crime? On this episode, I visit with the Sally Holewa, the North Dakota State Court Administrator. Ms. Holewa has spent her entire career in courts, from Minnesota to North Dakota, and in 2022 received the Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). North Dakota State Court Website: https://www.ndcourts.gov N.D. Courts Legal Self Help Center: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help

    28 min

  7. 07/20/2025

    Medical Marijuana in North Dakota

    Did you know that, in North Dakota, people don't actually receive prescriptions for medical marijuana? If you didn't, you are not alone. We'll find the answers to a lot of questions surrounding medical marijuana in North Dakota. On this episode, we visit with Jason Wahl, the Director for Medical Marijuana in North Dakota. It's an interesting conversation around a subject that many people have strong feelings about.

    30 min

  8. 06/27/2025

    Spring 2025 North Dakota Civics Potpourri

    The episode covers a governor's mistake that almost cost the state $35 million, fights within political parties that left voters without representation, and why lawmakers want to build a new office building after 100 years. These stories teach us that democracy needs constant care and attention from regular citizens to keep working properly.

    24 min
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About

The non-partisan 701 Civics podcast will provide listeners with an introduction to state government in North Dakota. From the Secretary of State to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, learn more about the offices and officials that lead North Dakota.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Pechtl
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bryan Pechtl
  • Show Website
    701 Civics