701 Civics

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to We the People and Jennifer Kallenbach01:02 Overview of the We the People Program02:17 Importance of Civics Education Today03:18 Academic Skills Developed Through Participation05:03 Implementation in Classrooms06:07 Impact on Students and Engagement08:27 Professional Development for Teachers09:55 Funding and Support for the Program11:25 Challenges for New Teachers12:58 Focus on Primary Source Documents13:59 State Competition Overview17:48 Participation and Awards in State Competition19:32 Resources and Accessibility of Textbooks21:00 Community Involvement and Support22:48 Future Opportunities for We the People24:41 How to Get Involved and Contact Informationhttps://www.thestudynd.org/civic-educationWe the People - Center for Civic Education:https://civiced.org/we-the-people

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 Commissionhttps://www.indianaffairs.nd.gov/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission02:06 The Role and Responsibilities of the Commission06:00 Communication Strategies and Government Relations08:47 Education Initiatives and Community Engagement10:48 Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Issues12:45 Emergency Response and Food Sovereignty14:57 Misconceptions About the Commission17:12 Cultural Education and Preservation18:35 Opportunities for Native Youth20:10 Challenges and Opportunities Ahead22:08 Future Vision for the CommissionEpisode TakeawaysThe 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.

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/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the North Dakota National Guard01:51 Understanding the Structure of the National Guard04:21 Dual Mission: State and Federal Responsibilities06:21 Common State Missions and Emergency Responses08:26 Federal Deployments and Missions10:15 Guard Membership and Locations in North Dakota11:08 Diverse Specialties and Job Roles12:35 Coordination with Local Emergency Services14:27 Training for Diverse Missions15:53 Typical Drill Weekend Activities17:46 Evolution of the National Guard's Role19:41 Benefits of Joining the National Guard22:41 Civic Duty and Community Impact24:43 Misconceptions About the National Guard27:01 Engaging with the Community and Educators28:27 Key Takeaways About the National Guard

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-250thAmerica 250 Website: https://america250.org/ND250 Community Initiatives Grant – School Field Trip Opportunityhttps://www.nd.gov/news/nd250-community-initiatives-grant-school-field-trip-opportunity

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_wcBTeacher Weekend Workshops Information:https://constitutioncenter.org/education/professional-learning-opportunities/weekend-workshopsCivil Dialogue Lesso Plan:https://constitutioncenter.org/education/constitution-101-curriculum/1.constitutional-conversations-and-civil-dialogue

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.govN.D. Courts Legal Self Help Center: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help

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.

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Arik Spencer, the CEO and President from the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), the state's premier non-partisan business advocacy organization. Joining us is Mallory Humann, the Program & Event Coordinator for GNDC to discuss the Civics Bee in North Dakota and why the GNDC is helping to sponsor the Bee.The GNDC represents a diverse membership that includes small businesses, large corporations, sole proprietors, and trade associations, serving as a unifying voice for economic prosperity across North Dakota.Listeners will learn how GNDC champions free-market principles, drives innovation through the North Dakota Manufacturing Council, and collaborates across sectors to ensure the state’s business climate remains the best in the nation. We’ll explore their mission, values, and vision for the future—highlighting their integrity, dedication, and commitment to shaping a thriving economy for all North Dakotans. Whether you're a business owner, policymaker, or someone invested in the future of the state, this episode offers insight into how GNDC is catalyzing growth, fostering collaboration, and advocating for a stronger, more prosperous North Dakota.GNDC website: https://www.ndchamber.com/National Civics Bee State Finals for North Dakota: https://www.ndchamber.com/national-civics-bee-north-dakota-state-final

In this episode, we cover the final step in the process of following a bill to declare October 1st as 'North Dakota Constitution Day'. In the first two installments, we followed the process of getting an idea turned into a bill, a committee meeting, and passage in the House of Representatives. Now, we see what takes place in the Senate, and discuss the outcome of the Senate vote.North Dakota Legislature: https://ndlegis.gov/

On this podcast, I interview Mirabela Punga, a native of Moldova, and now, with her husband and children, a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota for over a decade. With all of the talk surrounding immigration, particularly in the past decade, I thought it would be good to hear from someone who immigrated to the United States and went through the process of becoming an American citizen. We get to hear of the challenges faced after arriving in Lakota, North Dakota speaking limited English, with little more than three suitcases, and a determination to succeed. Mirabela and her husband have succeeded, and are now small business owners in Bismarck, operating the Little Odessa Eastern European Market.Little Odessa Eastern European Market Website:https://www.little-odessa.com/Little Odessa Eastern European Markethttps://www.instagram.com/littleodessand/

We know who makes the laws, but who enforces them, and how? On this episode, we get to hear from Colonel Daniel Haugen and Lieutenant Jenna Clawson Huibregtse of the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and the role of the N.D. H.P. in carrying out the laws passed by North Dakota legislators, efforts to make the roads safer, and how the highway patrol has increased their efforts to work more cooperatively with Native American tribes in North Dakota, and what it takes to become a trooper, among many other topics.North Dakota Highway Patrol:https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/Careers with the North Dakota Highway Patrol:https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/careersCultural Liaison Officer Programhttps://www.nd.gov/ndhp/ndhp-about-us/programs-and-special-services/cultural-liaison-officer-program

Former Governor Ed Schafer was elected governor of North Dakota in 1992 and served for two terms. He was a popular governor that could have probably been elected to a third term, but he walked away from the office, followed by service in 2008 as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush.On this episode, the governor talks about why he decided to run for office in 1992, his favorite thing about campaigning for the statewide office, and the most difficult decisions he had to make as governor. Unlike many former office holders, he has not written a book on his time in office, but he has been generous with his time and speaks frequently on podcasts and a variety of other platforms.

On this episode, we provide an update about making October 1 'North Dakota Constitution Day'. The big news is that the idea to celebrate the state constitution has gone from an idea, to an actual bill, to a bill that has passed the North Dakota House! Follow along as we discuss what has happened since Part 1 was created.HB 1479https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1479.html?bill_year=2025&bill_number=1479North Dakota Legislature:https://ndlegis.gov/

Did you know that North Dakota even has a constitution? Do you know what it says? Or that its more than triple the length of the U.S. Constitution? If you answered 'no', then the intent of a proposed bill before the North Dakota Legislature is for you! Join host Bryan Pechtl and special guest host Samantha Pechtl as they dive into the process of getting a bill submitted to the North Dakota Legislature during the 69th Legislative Session, and the processes of getting the bill through committee, and onto the North Dakota House for a vote. But that is only half of the process to get a bill passed. This is the first of a short series of episodes that will focus on getting 'North Dakota Constitution Day' recognized and passed into law in order to raise awareness about the North Dakota Constitution and its contents. Links:  North Dakota Constitution: https://ndlegis.gov/constitution North Dakota Legislature: https://ndlegis.gov/  N.D. Bills and Resolutions Index: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/bill-index.html?  N.D. Find Your Legislator: https://ndlegis.gov/legend/constituent/districts/public/find_my_legislator/  N.D. Legislative Calendar: https://ndlegis.gov/calendar  N.D. Legislative Video Broadcast: https://video.ndlegis.gov/  69th Legislative Assembly Budget Information 2025-27 Biennium: https://ndlegis.gov/fiscal/69-2025 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/resource/69-2025/legislative-deadlines/2025-legislative-deadlines.pdf North Dakota Governor: https://www.governor.nd.gov/

On this podcast, listen to a brief overview of important North Dakota legislative dates and, more importantly, how you as a citizen can be an active participant in democracy. Below are links to help you become more active in the legislative process, from following bills to contacting your legislator. North Dakota Legislature: https://ndlegis.gov/ N.D. Legislative Deadlines: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/resource/69-2025/legislative-deadlines/2025-legislative-deadlines.pdf Contact Your Legislator about a Bill: https://www.ndlegis.gov/legend/constituent/views/public/contact_legislator/ N.D. Legislature Bill Tracking: https://ndlegis.gov/legislative-bill-tracking-system North Dakota Governor's Website: https://www.governor.nd.gov/

On this episode, I chat with Representative Corey Mock, a Democrat who served in the house of representatives from 2009 and, as of this interview, is wrapping up his time in the House, having decided to not run for re-election in 2024.  In fact, Mr. Mock will be taking up the position of Chief information officer in the administration of the new governor of North Dakota, Republican Kelly Armstrong. This episode dives into the role of a minority party, in this case Democrats, in a state like North Dakota, in which the party in power, the Republicans, has a super-majority. We look at the ability of minor parties to impact legislation and how they work to get their issues heard.  Towards the end of the podcast, Representative Mock and I discuss the potential impact of the term limits initiative that was passed by North Dakota voters in 2022. Does he believe it will lead to more Democrats in the North Dakota legislature?

Are you interested in running for public office in North Dakota but have no idea where to start? On this podcast, we hear from veteran North Dakota House of Representatives District 35 lawmaker Karen Karls. Representative Karls shares her experiences of what it was like to run for office in North Dakota and offers advice for those individuals interested in running for statewide office. Listeners will learn that it is important to make connections with local party officials, and having a preliminary plan is extremely important. Rep. Karen Karls Legislative Site: https://ndlegis.gov/biography/karen-karls N.D. Secretary of State - Become a Candidate: https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections/candidate/become-candidate

In this podcast, we take a look at the North Dakota Supreme Court, as seen through the eyes of Charles Steinberger, a former law clerk for the state supreme court. We will see what it takes to become a law clerk, what they do, and examine a bit of the process about how opinions written. The North Dakota supreme court consists of five elected justices, with each justice provided a law clerk and a staff attorney to assist with research and writing. Justices are elected to ten year terms in non-partisan election. The chief justice is elected by the justices and the district court judges, and serves a five-year term. North Dakota Courts Website: www.ndcourts.gov North Dakota Supreme Court Website: https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court North Dakota Courts Annual Report List: https://www.ndcourts.gov/state-court-administration/annual-report

On this podcast, we visit with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Dough Goehring, a position he has held since 2009. When outsiders think of North Dakota, they generally associate rural and agricultural as the main identity of the people of the state, and rightfully so. North Dakota leads the nation in production of spring wheat, durum wheat, dry edible peas, dry edible beans, honey, flaxseed and canola.  Regarding land area of North Dakota, 39.1 million acres — nearly 90% of North Dakota's land area — is in farms and ranches. With that in mind, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture is extremely important to the state. As you will hear, the Department of Agriculture plays an important role in additional areas as well. N.D. Department of Agriculture website: https://www.ndda.nd.gov/  N.D. Agriculture Commissioner: https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/office-agriculture-commissioner  N.D. Agriculture by the Numbers: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ndda.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/files/Crops%20brochure%204SX_update2023.pdf Pride of Dakota - Pride of Dakota promotes the marketing of North Dakota businesses, products and services.- https://www.prideofdakota.nd.gov/