The Gilbert Chamber Foundation is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2024 Citizens Award in the "Best Civic Engagement Program" category! This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering civic engagement and enhancing the health and well-being of our community through our innovative programs.
At the core of our civic engagement efforts is the Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s goal to reignite civic learning and empower our community members to take active roles in civic life. Here’s how we are making an impact:
- Quarterly Civic Events: Our free, themed civic events are designed to unite the community, creating a space for open dialogue, shared perspectives, and meaningful connections. These events cover crucial topics such as voting, civic responsibility, and civil rights, offering an inclusive environment for the entire community to explore and engage with these important issues. Through art, music, food, and impactful civic messages, participants leave feeling informed and empowered to take action in their communities. This year's series is sponsored by Pettitt Wealth.
- National Civics Bee: As part of our ongoing efforts to educate and inspire the next generation of citizens, we host the National Civics Bee for middle school students, allowing them to demonstrate their civic knowledge and passion. The Bee encourages critical thinking and engagement with real-world issues, fostering a deeper understanding of civics at a young age. In partnership with other chambers, this initiative has sparked excitement in civic matters among students, leading to heightened participation in the community. This year's series is sponsored by APS and the Town of Gilbert.
- Interview Skills Clinic: To further support students participating in the National Civics Bee, we introduced an Interview Skills Clinic, where finalists work with local educators and business owners to refine their communication and presentation skills. This clinic not only prepares them for competition but also equips them with valuable life skills. The success of this clinic is evident, with several of our students achieving top placements at the state level. This year's Interview Skills Clinic and Interview Skills Challenge series is sponsored by 910 West and San Tan Ford.
- Collaborative Civic Initiatives: The Gilbert Chamber Foundation plays a vital role in building social capital within our community by fostering relationships between businesses, residents, and civic leaders. Through advocacy, resources, and collaboration, we work to promote economic development while strengthening social bonds. Our partnerships with organizations like Citizen University and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership inform and elevate our approach, ensuring we deliver impactful civic programming.
- Impact and Future Growth: Since the launch of our civic engagement programs, over 500 people have experienced increased awareness of civic issues. Our efforts have already led to increased participation in our advocacy initiatives, which are crucial as we approach contentious election cycles. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our programs, including opening our Interview Skills Clinic to all state finalists and continuing our quarterly civic events to create lasting, positive change in our community.
We are honored to be considered among such impactful organizations nationwide. For the full list of finalists, visit 2024 Citizens Awards Finalists.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us in making this achievement possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and engaged community!