Arizona Center for Civic Leadership

Today, Fellows joined our Fellows-only 2024 Legislative Wrap-Up moderated by Flinn-Brown Fellow Zach Yentzer. Huge thank you to lobbyists Marcus Dell’Artino, Meghaen Dell'Artino, Gaelle Esposito and Stacy Pearson for leading such rich discussions on what happened during the 2024 Legislative Session and for providing predictions on the outcomes of the upcoming elections.

Attention voters...Today is the last day to mail back your ballot! Postage is pre-paid so all you have to do is drop off your signed and sealed ballot envelope in the mail. If you don't have time to mail back your ballot, there are drop off locations in each AZ county.

For more information on the ballot by mail system and how to find a ballot box visit https://www.azcleanelections.gov/voting-methods/ballot-by-mail
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Friday was filled with exciting introductions, the beginning of many amazing conversations, and of course, good eats! The Orientation Luncheon was a success and we can't wait to see what this cohort of accomplished leaders will bring to the table. See you at Academy!

Listen up, voters! Tomorrow, July 19th, is the last day to request an early ballot for the July 30, 2024, Primary Election. Remember that casting YOUR vote is one of the easiest steps to ensuring YOUR voice is represented! Stay tuned for more election updates...

To request your early ballot visit: https://www.azcleanelections.gov/county-contact

Attention high school students -- check out Retro Report's ❗ The submission portal is open Aug. 5-Oct. 13, 2024 and the challenge is open to U.S. students ages 13-18 that have an interest in civic engagement throughout their community. Submissions will be taken in the form of essays, as well as videos, and 10 winners will be awarded $500!

For more information on this awesome opportunity, visit Retro Report's website: https://retroreport.org/civic-engagement-challenge/

We’re looking for teens who want to help change the world! 🌍

Enter Retro Report’s starting on Aug. 5 to win $500. Sign up using your email to receive more information: bit.ly/civicengagementchallenge

Let's get to voting, Arizona ... Early ballots are out now! If you've been looking for resources while getting ready to vote in the upcoming election, we've compiled some awesome ones to help you out! Read more below ⬇️

- For a list of important dates: https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/election-calendar.html
- For ballot requests, ballot status and FAQs in English and Spanish: https://www.arizona.vote/
- To download the Arc Voting Guide, a comprehensive guide to voting: votethespectrum.org
- For general information: https://www.azcleanelections.gov/voting?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkdO0BhDxARIsANkNcrct9JeP3HPk0CQieKtvTk9zjw24gRPF-fwg6m1T1Z7WdKsB1--cnrMaAsgGEALw_wcB

If you're a Tribal or Indigenous leader looking to grow your knowledge of tribal sovereignty, ASU's American Indian Policy Institute has just the program for you. The application for the Fall 2024 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy is open! The application will close on Friday, August 2, 2024, so if you're interested, best to start your research now!

Learn more about the Indigenous Leadership Academy here: https://aipi.asu.edu/ila?fbclid=IwY2xjawDv_D1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfKLabjH-AFfw1pwB7qle7KOSD38vUACUZ2BVdKOe68RFOywAko0Tgx-gw_aem_zaVGbarnwyVhuxr9Ka-xaw
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The Indigenous Leadership Academy is accepting applications for its Fall 2024 cohort. We are partnering with the National Congress of American Indians and will be bringing some special sessions on civic engagement.

Are you ready to lead and create change across ? Apply now and become part of a legacy of Indigenous leaders. Deadline: Aug. 2.

Apply now 👉 https://bit.ly/45GrYaD

Gina Roberts, a 2019 Flinn-Brown Fellow and Voter Education Director at Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, speaks with host Dawn Wallace about her time spent in election administration, the cruciality of voter education and the role that Arizona Citizens Clean Elections plays in AZ politics.

This is the ninth episode of the monthly Leadership Forward for a Better Arizona podcast by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation. Check out all the episodes and learn more about the most important issues facing Arizona from our own Fellows. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f-4bh6kQGI

Happy Fourth of July! On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Second Continental Congress and the United States of America gained its independence! We hope your festivities are safe and fun. Happy Birthday America! 🎆

Need last minute plans? Here are some unique ways to celebrate the 4th in Arizona: https://www.visitarizona.com/like-a-local/distinctly-arizonan-july-4th-celebrations/

"The conversations we had at Flinn-Brown were so deep and it definitely got me used to speaking across the aisle and speaking with people who have wildly different opinions in a polite and courteous way. It was a real exchange of knowledge and information and opinions. There was no toxicity; it was just total respect and the understanding of other people. I learned so much.”

A 2019 Fellow, the Honorable Tammy Caputi, has made a phenomenal mark as businesswoman, Scottsdale Councilwoman, marathoner and mother. Her path has been filled with experiences that have molded her into the accomplished Arizonan that she is today and she continues to set an example for future generations to come.

Read more: https://www.flinn.org/flinn-brown-fellow-tammy-caputis-determination-leads-to-successful-business-service-to-scottsdale/

Hey you! Today is the last day to register for the primary election on July 30. Make sure your voice is heard and get registered to vote! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Register to vote here: https://servicearizona.com/VoterRegistration/selectLanguage

For more information on registration visit: https://BeBallotReady.Vote

Are you a Hopi or Tewa professional looking for a leadership development opportunity in your community? If so, the 12-month Hopi Leadership Program is seeking individuals who are interested in a culturally-based curriculum that engages in dialogue about issues concerning the Hopi, the complexity of bridging the Hopi and non-native worlds, and the qualities required for effective leadership. The deadline is July 8th, so don't wait!

Check out their website for more details: https://www.hopileadershipprogram.org/adult

Only 11 days to submit your completed Hopi Leadership Program application!
If you have any questions, reach out to Cliff Kaye, HLP Manager at [email protected]
www.hopileadershipprogram.org

Whether you're looking to strengthen your community ties or gain service opportunities through a strong network of people who care as much about your home as you do, Gila Valley Leadership is an outstanding professional development program for Graham County leaders at all levels! They are a valued partner of our Leadership Collaborative and we would encourage you to apply to their 19th cohort! Applications are due to the Graham County Chamber of Commerce before 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Learn more about Gila Valley Leadership here: https://grahamchamber.org/leadership/

Learn more about our Leadership Collaborative here: https://www.flinn.org/civic-leadership/programs/civic-leadership-collaborative/

Happy National Arizona Day! Arizona is a beautifully diverse state; its combination of rich cultures, colorful landscapes and tight knit communities makes the 48th state a beloved home to many. We love to love Arizona and the people that make it so amAZing.🌵

If you're looking for some ways to celebrate, here are some ideas of things to do across AZ: https://travel.usnews.com/features/top-things-to-do-in-arizona

It's the first day of summer and we think you should celebrate by making sure you're subscribed to the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership email list! Signup to get real-time info about our civic education and leadership initiatives and while you are there, join our other Flinn Foundation lists to get news on our work in the biosciences, arts, and scholarship opportunities! 🌊⛱️☀️

https://www.flinn.org/about/resources/email-signup/

Today in 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, 250,000 Black slaves were freed by Union troops in Galveston Bay, Texas. While slavery was not officially abolished until the passage of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, Juneteenth, also called "Emancipation Day" or "Freedom Day" honors the unwavering commitment to liberty and democracy shown by those Texans and inspires all Americans to uphold and champion these values every day.

To learn more about the holiday's history visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture : https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth #:~:text=Juneteenth%20is%20an%20often%20overlooked,Lincoln%20signed%20the%20Emancipation%20Proclamation

June 14 is National Flag Day, a day reserved to celebrate the flag that represents the civic strength of our country and its rich history. Here are some fun facts about Old Glory:
•The Stars and Stripes that we all know and love did not become part of the official design until 1777. June 14, 1777, to be exact. Since that original design (often called The Grand Union), there have been 27 versions.
•A 17-year-old high school student, Robert G. Heft, from Lancaster, Ohio, was the creator of the current U.S. flag design, the 50-star flag.
•The U.S. flag was the first flag on the moon, placed by Neil Armstrong. Since then, five other U.S. flags have made it to the moon (all six flags were on an Apollo mission).
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Sources:
https://nationalflagfoundation.org/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-american-flag/https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagday.pdf
https://www.online.drexel.edu/flag-history.aspx #:~:text=The%20Grand%20Union%20or%20The,under%20which%20continental%20soldiers%20fought
https://www.nasa.gov/history/alsj/ApolloFlags-Condition.html

It was an absolute thrill to host the Global Ties Arizona Young Diplomats Program, an amazing summer institute that introduces young leaders to pathways to global diplomacy and international affairs careers. Thank you to Kristin Allen, President & CEO of Global Ties AZ, for bringing this partnership opportunity to the Center and for allowing us to deliver to these students our Leadership, Civics and You© curriculum in a session called "Championing Global Causes: Advocacy Training for Future Diplomats" today!

It was so inspiring to meet these students and be reminded our state is blessed with incredible youth who care deeply about their communities and the issues that affect our entire world community. Our future is bright with these student leaders! 🌵

To learn more about the Center's youth leadership programs, visit our website here: https://flinn.org/civic-leadership/programs/flinn-young-leaders/

Join Fellows Dr. Amanda Burke with the Center for the Future of Arizona and Gina Roberts with the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission as they discuss the different ways that you can engage in upcoming elections!
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Happening June 11: Dr. Amanda Burke, CFA Executive Vice President, and Gina Roberts, Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission Voter Education Director, will be guest speakers at Education Forward Arizona’s Education Power Hour. Amanda will discuss how the Arizona Voters’ Agenda can empower voters to actively engage in the upcoming elections. Gina will guide attendees through using the Clean Elections website, engaging in candidate debates, and understanding what’s on the ballot.

Discover key questions to ask candidates during debates and join the conversation. Register here: https://bit.ly/4bye7Fw

Nick Vasquez, a 2016 Flinn-Brown Fellow and emergency physician in the East Valley, speaks with host Dawn Wallace about his career in medicine, community service, and the link between his physician experiences and public policy. The conversation with Vasquez, who is also a Vitalyst Health Foundation trustee, explores diversity and equity in health care, reading as an indicator of future health behaviors, changes in physician recruitment strategies—and his love of chess.

This is the eighth episode of the monthly Leadership Forward for a Better Arizona podcast by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation. Check out all the episodes and learn more about the most important issues facing Arizona from our own Fellows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90zPEvGVZE0&list=PLuEEz6Yo5SG3dCv-uNp0n3gHMY1pyaSI0&index=1&t=0s

🍎 Come join us at the 2024 Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference as we spread the word about our Flinn Young Leaders program. We are meeting educators and administrators from all over the state who are gathering to grow connections and knowledge that can help students achieve their educational goals!

We are so excited to shine a light on our Leadership, Civics, and You© curriculum which encourages high school students to explore the kind of leaders they are, or want to be, and how their civic leadership can impact their communities and the world for the better.

Learn more about Flinn Young Leaders here: https://flinn.org/civic-leadership/programs/flinn-young-leaders/
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💥This is an amazing opportunity for Arizona youth to make an impact in their community. The deadline has been extended for select counties, so if you or someone you know would be a good fit, don't wait and apply❗

More info below...

NEW: The deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 Governor’s Youth Commission has been extended for select counties! Apply by June 14 at 5 PM to become a peer advocate in your school & community for the upcoming school year ⤵️
gyc.az.gov

Cochise County - Government Gila County Government Parker High School Town of Parker Arizona Arizona Department of Education
Arizona Charter Schools Association Bisbee High School, Bisbee, Arizona Douglas High School DUSD #27 San Simon Unified School District #18 Sierra Vista Unified School District No. 68 Buena High School St. David Unified School District #21 Willcox High School Globe Unified School District Hayden- Winkelman Unified School District Miami Unified School District #40 Payson Unified School District Payson High School Longhorns San Carlos Unified School District #20

"The biggest impact of Flinn-Brown ... for me is through the people. The fact that you can use that network to launch yourself into all sorts of other fields, like working with nonprofits, working with veterans, running for office, or being on any staff. It I think it gives you that exposure, a lot of skills for all those things.”

A 2013 Fellow, the Honorable Jane Strain, has filled her life with amazing adventures across the world. From teaching to joining the Army to running for office, she's made sure every step she takes leads her in the direction of positive impact in her community and for the state.

Read more here: https://flinn.org/flinn-brown-fellow-jane-strain/

Arizona leaders, your communities have spoken. Are you listening? On June 4, Arizona Capitol Times will host a Morning Scoop with CFA's Dr. Sybil Francis and HighGround Inc.'s Paul Bentz, moderated by Steve Goldstein, to discuss findings from the 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda via Zoom. This is more than data. It’s an unbiased look at what Arizona voters want for the future of our state.

Find more details & register today: https://bit.ly/4dMGUYn

Meet Fellow Jason Zibart, Community Connected Health Manager for Benson Hospital, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKSVJVxu7mU

Meet Fellow Erica Yngve, President & Owner of Sonoran Stitch Factory and Postcraft Products, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g53UdVIB28

Meet Fellow Judah Waxelbaum, Chief Legislative Liaison for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbBMZOUJtjE

Meet Fellow the Honorable Tara Walter, Town of Florence Mayor and Assistant Principal of Florence Unified School District, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZroURYxwE8Q

Meet Fellow Javier Torres, J.D., Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice-United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf3Jb93Xu98

Meet Fellow Lorraine Stofft, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Arizona Western College Foundation, in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE7sY8tuc0Q