Video Reflections Will Celebrate Student Voice During  NY Civic Learning Week

DemocracyReady NY is excited to invite middle and high school students from across New York State to participate in a new statewide video storytelling initiative called “Seal Stories.” 

Seal Stories highlights the voices and experiences of students who have earned or are earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness—or who have participated in meaningful civic learning or civic action. Through short video reflections, students will share how civic engagement has shaped their understanding of citizenship and their role in their communities.

Please submit all videos to Nicholas D'Amuro, ndamuro@gvboces.org, by March 2, 2026.

What Students Are Being Asked to Do

Students are invited to record a 2–3 minute video reflecting on a civic project, action, or learning experience they have participated in. Videos may be recorded using a cell phone, webcam, or school recording equipment. Students may record independently or with the support of an educator, district communications team, BOCES, or PR staff.

This is intended to be authentic and student-centered, not a polished or scripted presentation.

Suggested Reflection Prompts for Students

Students may choose to address one or more of the following:

• What civic project, action, or experience did you participate in?

• Why did this issue or experience matter to you?

• What civic skills or habits did you develop?

• What challenges did you face, and what did you learn?

• How has this experience shaped how you see yourself as a citizen?

• How do you plan to stay civically engaged in the future?

How the Videos Will Be Used

Selected submissions will be compiled into a statewide “Seal Stories” video series for NY Civic Learning Week (March 9-13) to celebrate student civic voice and highlight the impact of civic learning across New York State.

Who Can Participate

• Students who have earned or are earning the Seal of Civic Readiness

• Students engaged in other meaningful civic learning or action experiences

• Participation is flexible and voluntary

Please submit all videos to Nicholas D'Amuro, ndamuro@gvboces.org, by March 2, 2026.