Genesee Valley BOCES proudly hosted the first annual Civi Coalition Summit in honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation, bringing together educators, administrators, students, and civic leaders from across the region for a day dedicated to strengthening civic education, promoting media literacy, and fostering respectful dialogue across differences.
The Civi Coalition was founded by Coordinator for School Improvement Nick D'Amuro and Monroe 1 BOCES Coordinator Jimmy Byrnes in 2024 as a regional and statewide network of educators, schools, and community partners. The Coalition focuses on supporting civic education, advancing the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, and helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for meaningful participation in democratic life. Through professional learning opportunities, collaboration, and shared resources, the coalition works to promote thoughtful civic engagement and bridge divides within schools and communities. The Coalition began with 12 members, and today has over 130 statewide.
Organized by the Coalition, the summit focused on the growing importance of civic readiness and democratic engagement at a time when schools and communities continue to navigate increasing polarization and division. Throughout the day, participants engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative conversations centered on preparing students to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.
“Yesterday reminded all of us why this work matters so profoundly,” said Nicholas D’Amuro, Civi Coalition co-chair and Genesee Valley BOCES social studies curriculum coordinator. “The conversations, reflections, and connections throughout the day reaffirmed that there remains tremendous hope in education, civic engagement, and in the people committed to strengthening our democratic communities.”
The summit featured several distinguished speakers and scholars who addressed key issues impacting civic life and education today.
Nan Eileen Mead, Co-Executive Director of DemocracyReady NY and former New York State Regent, opened the event by discussing the importance of civic readiness and democratic participation in schools and communities.
Dr. Jeff Koch, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at SUNY Geneseo, shared insights into political behavior, civic participation, and the challenges facing democratic discourse in modern America.
Faculty and professional learning specialists from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education — Dr. Kevin Meuwissen, Amy Stell, and Rhiannon White — facilitated conversations focused on addressing difficult histories, affective polarization, and information disorder in classrooms and schools.
The summit also featured keynote speaker Dr. Tim Redmond, author of Political Tribalism in America: How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy and How to Fix It. Redmond spoke about the growing challenges of political tribalism, the erosion of civic dialogue, and the importance of teaching students intellectual humility, media literacy, and critical thinking skills.
A major highlight of the day included educator and student Seal of Civic Readiness panels. Educator panelists Jessica Karnes Erie 1 BOCES, Greg Fredricks PNW BOCES, Laura Williams Elba, Heather Deusenbery Wayland-Cohocton, Nick Muhlenkamp Byron-Bergen, and Tracy Schlagenhauf Oakfield-Alabama shared practical strategies and experiences implementing the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness within their schools and districts.
Students from regional Seal of Civic Readiness programs — including both current and former students from Wayland-Cohocton, Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, and Byron-Bergen — reflected on their civic learning experiences, informed action projects, and the impact civic engagement has had on their educational and personal growth.
Throughout the summit, participants explored themes related to democratic responsibility, respectful civic discourse, civic inquiry, and the role schools play in sustaining constitutional democracy. Sessions also emphasized the importance of helping students engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives while strengthening their abilities to analyze information critically in an increasingly complex media environment.
The Civi Coalition also highlighted its ongoing work supporting schools through professional learning opportunities, civic education resources, networking, and implementation support for the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
“One of the central ideas we reflected on during the summit is that democracy is not something we inherit fully formed — it is something each generation must practice, strengthen, and hand forward,” D’Amuro said. “This work begins in our classrooms, schools, and communities through thoughtful conversation, civic engagement, and human connection. Today was a reminder that our founding principles beckon us toward conversation and compromise; not away from it.”
The summit concluded with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose among attendees, reinforcing the shared commitment of educators and civic leaders to preparing the next generation for meaningful participation in democratic life.