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Course: Civic Action Project (CAP): Connecting Government Concepts to Your Community > Section: Civic Action Project (CAP) - Connecting Government Concepts to Your Community

Civic Action Project (CAP)

Connecting Government Concepts to Your Community

*Worth 40% of your final course grade

Project Overview

The Civic Action Project (CAP) replaces traditional exams with hands-on community engagement activities that connect government concepts directly to your life, career, and community. Instead of memorizing information for tests, you'll experience how government actually works by engaging with it directly.

You'll choose from a menu of activities to earn 100 total points throughout the semester, with flexibility to select the combination that works best for your schedule, interests, and learning style.  Note that the Planning Quiz does NOT count toward the 100 points!

Learning Objectives

Through the CAP, you will:

- Experience how government concepts from your readings actually impact daily life.
- Develop civic engagement skills and confidence.
- Connect course material to your career and personal interests.
- Build a portfolio of authentic learning experiences.
- Strengthen your ability to analyze and communicate about government.

Project Requirements

1. Completion of CAP Planning Quiz
2. Point Requirement
  - Total Points Required: 100 points
  - Activities range from 5-30 points each based on time commitment and complexity
3. Diversity Requirement
  - You must complete activities from at least two different categories:
    - Higher Effort Activities (20-30 points each)
    - Medium Effort Activities (10-15 points each)
    - Quick Engagement Activities (5-8 points each)

Checkpoint System

To ensure steady progress throughout our 8-week course:

Checkpoint | Points Required | Due Date
Week 3 | Minimum 30 points | February 6
Week 5 | Minimum 60 points | February 20
Week 7 | All 100 points | March 6

In addition to the final submission date for the CAP, there are two CAP checkpoints throughout the semester.  These checkpoints are meant to keep you on track and avoid a last minute rush of assignments and grading at the end of week seven.  Feedback from students who have completed the CAP suggested that they would like concrete deadlines throughout the semester, so these checkpoints are meant to address that concern. If you fail to reach the point target of a checkpoint, those points are no longer available.  For example, if you only earned 20 points by the end of week 3, you are 10 points shy of the 30 point target.  Therefore, you would not be able to earn those 10 points throughout the rest of the semester.  The second checkpoint is 60 points, which means the expectation is that you will earn 30 points between checkpoints one and two.  If you fall short of 30 points during that period, you will only be awarded the points that you have earned between the checkpoints.  Your total CAP score will be the sum of all three checkpoints.  I have provided an example scenario below:

CAP Checkpoint         Student Earns
30                                15
60                                25
100                 30
= 70 CAP Points Total

Submission Guidelines

Where to Submit

- All activities submit through Canvas assignments
- Videos submit through Canvas Studio

Submission Format

Each submission must include:

1. Completed activity (reflection, video, directory, etc.) according to rubric
2. Brief summary stating which activity you completed and its point value
3. Course connection - explain how this activity relates to specific course concepts

Grading Criteria

Every activity has a detailed rubric associated with it - ALL ASPECTS OF THE RUBRIC MUST BE MET TO RECEIVE CREDIT!  You can see the rubric requirements for the activities in the assignment instructions.

Activities will be assessed on:

- Evidence of engagement - Did you meaningfully participate?
- Connection to course concepts - Do you demonstrate understanding?
- Quality of analysis - Are your insights thoughtful and well-developed?
- Completion of requirements - Did you meet all specified criteria?

Success Strategies

Start Early

- Complete the Planning Quiz (Week 1) for 15 points
- Aim for 20+ points by Week 2
- Check local government meeting schedules early

Track Your Progress

- Monitor checkpoint deadlines
- Contact me if you fall behind schedule

Choose Strategically

- Mix quick activities with deeper projects
- Connect activities to your major/career interests
- Consider your schedule - balance busy weeks with lighter ones

Get Help When Needed

- Attend office hours for guidance
- Use campus resources (Learning Commons, library, media lab, writing center)
- Ask questions in our class Q&A discussion board

Resources

Local Government Information

- Fort Worth City Council: Meetings Tuesdays at 7pm, City Hall
- Tarrant County Commissioners: Meetings Wednesdays at 9am, County Building
- FWISD School Board: Check district website for schedule
- Municipal Utility Districts: Various meeting times, check websites

Campus Resources

- Library Research Guides: Government resources and databases
- Media Lab: Equipment for video projects
- Writing Center: Help with reflections and analysis
- Canvas Studio: Video recording and editing tools

Online Tools

- Local Government Websites: Search "Fort Worth government meetings"
- News Sources: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, local TV station websites
- Government Directories: usa.gov, Texas.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I complete activities with a partner? A: Some activities (like interviews) naturally involve others, but each student must submit individual work for full credit.

Q: What if I miss a checkpoint deadline? A: Contact me immediately to create a catch-up plan.

Q: Can I change my planned activities? A: Absolutely! You can adjust as your schedule and interests change.

Q: What if I can't attend government meetings due to work/family? A: Many activities can be done flexibly around your schedule. Contact me to discuss alternatives if needed.

Q: How do I know if my activity meets the requirements? A: Review the detailed instructions for each activity type, and don't hesitate to ask questions before starting.

Important Dates

- Week 1: CAP Planning Quiz due (15 points - does NOT count toward 100.)
- Week 3: Second checkpoint - 30 points minimum
- Week 5: Midpoint checkpoint - 60 points minimum
- Week 7: Final deadline - All 100 points due

Remember: The CAP is designed to enhance your learning while accommodating your busy life as a community college student. Plan strategically, start early, and don't hesitate to ask for help. This project will give you practical experience with government that goes far beyond what you could learn from textbooks alone.