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Civic & Cultural

How America Works

A Civic Education Class

Learn how government works, and how you can be a part of it.

$75/class90 min

About this class

Have you ever wondered who makes the rules in your town, or how a law actually gets passed? This class answers those questions in a way that's easy to understand and genuinely interesting.

Each week, we explore a different piece of how government works, and how regular people make their voices heard. We use real news stories, short videos, and group discussion to bring it all to life.

We also take community excursions (to places like City Hall and our local courthouse) so you can see government in action, not just read about it. Guest speakers, including local elected officials and community leaders, join us to answer questions directly. No prior knowledge needed. Just curiosity.

What you'll do

Topics we cover

  • Who's in charge? Federal, state, and local government explained
  • How a law gets made: step by step
  • Voting: how to register, what's on a ballot, and why it matters
  • Your rights: what the Constitution actually says
  • Local government: who makes decisions in your community
  • How to contact and talk to your elected representatives
  • Ways to get involved beyond voting
  • How to read the news and tell facts from opinions

How we learn

Community ExcursionCity Hall: watch local government meet in person
Community ExcursionLocal courthouse: see how the justice system works
Community ExcursionCommunity board meetings: be part of a real civic conversation
Guest SpeakerElected officials: local, state, and federal representatives
Guest SpeakerCommunity leaders and advocates
Guest SpeakerJournalists: how news gets reported and why it matters
ActivityMock legislative session and public comment practice
ActivityRead real documents: the Constitution, local laws, and sample ballots

Mix of Community Excursions, Guest Speakers, and activities.

Who it's for

Open to all adult learners. Designed for adults with I/DD, autistic adults, and neurodivergent learners. Self-Direction (IDGS) funding accepted, subject to approval by your fiscal intermediary. Whether you've never voted before or just want to understand what's happening in the news, you'll find a place here.

Who teaches it

Joseph Amodeo

Joseph Amodeo

Joseph is the founder of The Grove and brings years of classroom and professional teaching experience to the program. A former adjunct lecturer of political science, he has spent his career at the intersection of education, communication, and community.

Read full bio

Schedule

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Pricing

$75 per session · 90 min per class. Bundle discounts apply when you register for multiple sessions: 10% off for 4 or more, 20% off for 8 or more, across any combination of classes at The Grove.

Register for How America Works

Registration is handled on our secure registration site.