Join us for a panel discussion exploring the current state of civics education in North Carolina and why strong, nonpartisan civic learning is essential to a healthy democracy. This session will provide background, research, and context to help League members better understand the landscape of civics education and its impact on civic participation.
Drawing on the work of the North Carolina Civics Coalition and Generation Nation, as well as insights from the series
Civics Unlearned by Sara Michael of Carolina Public Press, the session will examine how gaps in civics education — driven by limited instructional time, competing academic priorities, and increasing polarization — affect students’ understanding of government and civic life. Participants will gain a clearer picture of how statewide collaboration and community-based efforts can help build informed, engaged citizens and strengthen civic power across North Carolina.
Amy Farrell
As the Executive Director with Generation Nation, an agency working to develop the new generation of civic leaders, Amy lends her talents as an innovative leader, a social entrepreneur, who among other things is experienced in nonprofit leadership, program development, K-12 education, civic literacy, public affairs, and business management. She is a connector who effectively builds, leverages and supports relationships among organizations, people, and ideas.
Regan Aduddell
Regan Aduddell joined the League of Women Voters in 2017 to further her community involvement and better the electoral process. She realized the power of grassroots involvement and hoped to help engage voters across all ages and demographics through voter advocacy. Some of her key initiatives include developing educational programs to empower young voters, establishing accessible registration locations, working with the USCIS, and speaking on the importance of the democratic process. Regan was elected as LWVCM co-president in 2021 and stepped down to join the State Board in 2022. Regan is currently 2nd Vice President for LWV North Carolina. Her focus is voter registration, community outreach and civic engagement statewide. She serves on several statewide youth civic boards live NC Civics which are focused on providing opportunities for civic engagement with our high school students as well as providing support for teachers.
She has a background in the medical field as an experienced and longtime registered nurse with a focus in bone marrow transplants and Intensive Care Units. She worked at several hospitals across the country, including Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago and Duke University Hospital, where she was the head charge nurse. Along with her medical experience, Regan has been heavily involved in education and community activism. She held a variety of leadership roles to better educational institutions in Mecklenburg Co., from tutoring students to organizing large, multi-faceted events and organizations.
Sarah Michels
Sarah Michels is an elections and legislative reporter for Carolina Public Press, a statewide, digital news outlet focused on covering the stories — and angles— others aren't. She recently reported a three-part series called Civics Unlearned that explores how conflicting priorities and inconsistent instruction have led to the neglect of civic education in schools, which in turn has contributed to a disengaged North Carolina electorate. Before finding a home in the Raleigh statehouse, Michels worked as a political reporter in her Kentucky hometown.