Live Free & Lead

A new civic education summer program for NH students grades 9-12.
6 weeks, 2 days a week. Learn to lead from the Granite State’s top officials.

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

We’re so excited to welcome you to the State House this summer that we’re extending registration by a week! Learn to be a leader in your community from the people who lead our state.

Learn more and apply at https://t.co/du2VBjWVWV!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

To conclude our conversations on state-federal relations, we heard from @usedgov Assistant Secretary @MSYBessette on the role of the federal executive! He discussed his duties at the Department and the delicate and critical balance between federal, state, and local governance.

[Democracy Defense Foundation @DemoDefenseFndn]

This week at the NH State House, our NH Co-Chairs, former Rep. Charlie Bass and Rep. & Amb. Dick Swett, spoke with high school students about why getting involved in government matters and why the integrity of our elections is critical to their future and the future of America.

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Continuing our exploration of the federal government, we welcomed @SununuSenator to discuss what service in Congress is like, from working across the aisle to constituent service to the differences between state and federal legislating. Thank you for coming, Senator!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Our students received an informative and engaging presentation from Secretary of State David Scanlan, former Congressman Charlie Bass, and former Ambassador Richard Swett on the work of the Democracy Defense Project in promoting election security and trust in the Granite State!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Thank you to our guests for presenting a comprehensive view of how a bill works its way through the system in New Hampshire!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Our young leaders have been busy learning about the legislature!
They had the chance to meet with @NHSenPresident Sharon Carson to speak about the role of leadership and committees and @nhhouseclerk Paul Smith on the importance of parliamentary procedure and House Rules

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

They also had the chance to hear from Director of Legislative Services Courtney Eschbach on the bill and amendment drafting process and the work her office does to assist legislators in their duties.

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Thank you for visiting with us, Senator! It was great to hear your perspective on the legislative process and the importance of institutional knowledge and strong leadership!

[NH Senate President Sharon Carson @NHSenPresident]

Great conversation with Rep. James Thibault and the Live Free and Lead Summer Civics Program! It's an inspiration to see so many students getting involved and making a difference!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

We’d like to thank the New Hampshire Historical Society for hosting us, as well as all of the legislators who visited with our students on Friday; we appreciate you supporting our next generation of leaders!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Week 2 of Live Free & Lead brought our students into New Hampshire history and introduced them to the legislative branch! 🧵

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

In the afternoon, we made an unexpected stop to watch the unveiling of the new State House portrait of Wentworh Cheswill, the first African American to hold public office in the US. It’s always exciting to learn new things about NH history and its legacy of trailblazing service.

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Week 2 of Live Free & Lead brought our students into New Hampshire history and introduced them to the legislative branch! 🧵

[Rep. James Thibault @James4NH]

Thrilled to say that my bill, HB1573, was signed by Gov. @KellyAyotte today! This bill came as a constituent request from a Winnisquam student who was punished for missing classes to participate in leadership activities for 4-H, FFA, and the American Legion Auxiliary. These opportunities provide just as much practical educational knowledge as a day in the classroom, if not more, so a student should not be penalized for participating, provided they make up any work missed.

This bill grants each student 2 excused absences per year to engage in activities related to civics (i.e., testifying on a bill, attending a town/city meeting, participating in the American Legion Oratorical Contest, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.) or for CTE activities (presenting livestock at the fair, job shadows, etc.).

The bill does not permit excused absences for attending things like protests or political rallies; while they are protected First Amendment speech and students have a right to attend if they wish, they lack explicit educational or academic value, so that decision on excusal ultimately remains with administration.

Since the bill passed the House and the Senate, I have heard from many parents and grandparents who said that their students have been penalized in similar ways for presenting at the county fair, participating in job shadows, and other opportunities to enhance their independent leadership and future prospects. They were excited to hear about this proposal, and I'm so glad that it is now law and will give so many more students opportunities to learn and lead outside the classroom, supplementing their education.

This was a great improvement to come out of our community, and I will continue to advocate for new and innovative ways for our students to learn and grow. While New Hampshire was not the first state to adopt a policy like this, HB1573 is the strongest and most robust, putting students first and giving them more autonomy over their learning.

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

We’re excited to kick off this summer and to continue to see our students learn and grow!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Week 1 of Live Free and Lead was a huge success! Our students are energized and excited to learn and to lead! Here’s a recap:

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Day 2: We visited the New Hampshire State Archives to hear from State Archivist Ashley Miller about New Hampshire history and the 250th anniversary of our state and nation, and from @NHSecretary David Scanlan on election integrity and the First in the Nation presidential primary!

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Today’s the last day to register! Get those last-minute submissions in now!

https://t.co/kHxcJzB684

[Live Free & Lead @LiveFreeandLead]

Introducing Live Free & Lead. A new civic education program for New Hampshire high schoolers. Providing students with the tools and connections to become leaders in their own communities.

Learn more and apply now at https://t.co/du2VBjWVWV. Applications close June 5th.