The WV CIvics Coalition works to strengthen civic learning and civic participation across West Virginia. We bring together educators, organizations, and community members from across the state to support policies, practices, and partnerships that help people understand how our democracy works and how they can take part in it.

We believe that civic learning should prepare students and community members of all ages to engage thoughtfully in civic life. Our work focuses primarily on K-12 civic learning, while staying responsive to higher education and the broader needs of West Virginians across the state.

The WVCC exists to connect people, share knowledge, and elevate voices from communities across the Mountain State. By building strong relationships across political, geographic, and institutional lines we seek to ensure that civic learning reflects the real experiences of West Virginians and supports a democracy that serves everyone.

We collaborate with educators, students, policymakers, and community partners to listen, learn, and advance a strong future for civic learning in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Civics Coalition began with a small group of people who shared a belief that civic education in our state would be stronger if it was built collaboratively. That first meeting was straightforward and practical, centered on building relationships, listening closely, and identifying opportunities. A simple spreadsheet helped keep track of connections as interest grew, but the work was never about the tool. It was about people showing up, sharing ideas, and committing to the slow, thoughtful work of building something meaningful together across West Virginia.

From those early efforts, the Coalition has grown steadily and with intention. The organization formally incorporated as a West Virginia nonprofit and received Internal Revenue Service approval as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization, establishing a strong foundation for long-term sustainability. The Coalition has since hosted two successful annual Civic Learning Week events, engaging educators, students, policymakers, and community members through both in-person and virtual participation. It has also launched a Civic Cords program recognizing graduating high school students who have met civic education standards and developed curriculum programming to support civic learning for teachers across the state.

Today, the Coalition is guided by an elected Board of Directors that includes leaders from education, government, the judiciary, and community organizations throughout West Virginia. The Board meets monthly via Zoom and supports the work of active committees that advance the Coalition’s initiatives. Looking ahead, the Coalition is preparing students to serve as facilitators for a public listening tour in multiple regions of the state in 2026, further centering youth voice and community engagement. An accessible website and active social media presence serve as key communication tools, while a stable financial structure supported by a multi-level sponsorship model ensures the Coalition can continue to grow thoughtfully and sustainably. Together, these milestones reflect a journey rooted in grassroots beginnings and sustained by shared leadership and a deep commitment to civic education in West Virginia.

Eli Baumwell (Charleston)
Jennifer Bundy (Charleston)
Joshua Copley (Student Representative from Marshall University)
Pat Dillon (Dingess)
Stephanie Hainer Ojeda (Bridgeport)
David King (Point Pleasant)
Autumn Meadows (Charleston)
Terri Meadows (Charleston)
Margaret Miller (Charleston)
Betsy Osborne (Morgantown)
Rory Perry (Charleston)
Mike Queen (Charleston)
John Quesenberry (Beckley)
Dr. Shanequa Smith (Charleston)
Tom Tinder (Charleston)
Eric Waggoner (Charleston)