RIDE, RI Secretary of State, and RI Bar Association Spotlight Civics and Public Service Programs for Rhode Island Schools

RIDE, RI Secretary of State, and RI Bar Association Spotlight Civics and Public Service Programs for Rhode Island Schools

Published on Monday, November 03, 2025

Education leaders encouraged to participate in civics and law-related education initiatives and programs available to schools statewide

PROVIDENCE, RI - Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in partnership with the Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Gregg M. Amore, and Patrick A. Guida, President of the Rhode Island Bar Association (RIBA), today held an event at the Rhode Island State House featuring Rhode Island Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa A. Long to raise awareness of crucial civics and law-related education initiatives and programs available to schools statewide.

State leaders convened local school leaders and spotlighted the Rhode Island Bar Association's established Law Related Education (LRE) Programs, many of which are presented in collaboration with the Rhode Island Judiciary, to promote a greater understanding of the law, the Constitution, and the importance of civic engagement. Programs include Rhode Island Law Day, RIBA's signature law-related education event, and Constitution Day, scheduled for November 14, 2025.

"A strong democracy depends on an informed public, and that education begins in our classrooms," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Our partnership with the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Secretary of State reflects our commitment to ensuring every student in Rhode Island has the opportunity to engage with legal professionals and become civically involved. By exposing our students to these opportunities and experiences, we can better prepare them to make a difference in their communities and our state."

"As Secretary of State, I'm proud of the work we've done to prioritize civic education. Our office engages students across Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program - an immersive, year-long nonpartisan program that aims to build an informed electorate and engaged citizenry," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "Partnering with the Rhode Island Bar Association on their civic education initiatives bolsters our commitment to civics."

The public awareness campaign to promote the Law Related Education Programs is being spearheaded by Rhode Island Bar Association President Patrick A. Guida. RIDE and the Secretary of State's Office, champions of civic participation, will leverage their outreach capacity to amplify the availability of these programs across all districts.

"As Bar Association President, I am deeply committed to expanding our Law Related Education programs and strengthening partnerships that bring civics to life for students," said Rhode Island Bar Association President Patrick A. Guida. "With the support of our Judiciary, RIDE, and the Office of the Secretary of State, we are helping students understand how the law shapes our communities and why civic participation matters. Together, we're building stronger connections between Rhode Island's legal community and the next generation of civic leaders." The Rhode Island Bar Association offers free, year-round Law Related Education programs, many of which are presented in collaboration with the Rhode Island Judiciary, that connect students and community groups with volunteer attorneys to explore legal topics and civic engagement.

Programs include:

• Law Day
  Held annually on the first Friday in May, in partnership with the Rhode Island Judiciary. A statewide civic education event featuring Rhode Island judges and attorneys who visit classrooms across the state to lead lessons based on the national Law Day theme.
• Constitution Day
  Held each fall in partnership with the Rhode Island Judiciary. Judges and attorneys lead interactive sessions on constitutional principles and current issues. This year's observance will be on November 14, 2025.
• Lawyers in the Classroom
  Available year-round. Attorneys visit middle and high school classrooms to support lessons on law, government, and current events.
• Storytime with Lawyers
  Scheduled throughout the school year. Attorneys read civics-themed books to elementary students, introducing concepts of fairness and justice.
• Shadow a Lawyer
  Offered during the academic year. High school students spend a day with an attorney to explore legal careers.
• Speakers Bureau
  Available year-round. Community organizations can request free legal presentations tailored to their audience's interests.

To learn more or request a program, contact Allison Baker at [email protected]or visit ribar.com.